KAPUNDA avoided a straight sets finals exit, comfortably defeating Gawler Central by 14 goals in Saturday’s Barossa, Light & Gawler senior one netball preliminary final at Williamstown Oval.
The Bombers had suffered their first loss of the season only a week prior, going down to Barossa District by eight goals, while the Tigers had knocked off fierce rival South Gawler by four.
Kapunda entered the match as heavy favourite, and showed why early on, breaking away to a two goal lead at quarter-time.
The Bombers’ aspirations took a serious dent midway through the second stanza, with goalie Tab MacKenzie going down with injury and taking no further part in the game.
Despite losing the star shooter, Emma Thomas went into replace her, and was inspirational.
The Bombers’ two-goal lead remained intact at the half-time break.
Although they were rattled early due to MacKenzie’s injury, the Bombers took control of the game to run over the Tigers.
Kapunda extended its lead at three-quarter-time, before blowing Central away, with the Tigers suffering yet another preliminary final exit.
Post-match, Kapunda coach Sarah Johnson was delighted to get the result and advance to the club’s third grand final in four years.
“I felt we were always in control, we did have an injury in the second quarter, but the girls were able to get it under control,” she said.
“I think it threw them for a little bit, then they realised we needed to step up and get the job done.
“Alex Benson was really valuable at goal shooter, she was a really good target for us.”
However, Johnson said MacKenzie will be given to “the last minute” to play in Saturday’s grand final against Barossa District.