SWIFTS capped off their most successful season in a decade with a win on Saturday.
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Although they were always off the finals pace, the Baggies have had plenty of reason to smile.
Their hard-fought 43-35 victory against Pimpinio on Saturday gave them four wins for the season.
Astoundingly, it doubles the combined win total of two in the previous eight seasons for Swifts.
The Baggies took the lead early in the game with good defence and effective shooting.
Co-coaches Kristy Yole and Nicole Harding moved the ball well through the centre of the court, helping feed goalies Lauren Dempsey and Kaitlyn Ralph.
The Tigers fought back in the third term, with Lisa Ward providing a spark at wing attack and setting up goalies Kylie Helyar and Lisa Hamilton.
The Baggies looked in danger of being over-run, but 10 goals from Dempsey in the final quarter sealed the win.
Yole said the win was further confirmation the Baggies were headed in the right direction.
“It was an absolutely amazing end to the season and a lot of people doubted we would win because Pimpinio beat us easily the first time we played them,” she said.
“I think in other years our belief might have dropped, but we really had fire in our bellies from our wins earlier in the season and we wanted to finish the season off well.”
Yole said focus was now on retaining the team for next season in hopes it could build on its momentum.
She said the wins also meant it would be easier to attract new players.
Natimuk United overcame Laharum 43-41 in what should be a good tune-up for the second-placed Ewes before the finals.
A furious fightback from Laharum in the final quarter could not get them over the line.
Marceena Cameron’s good play for the Mountain Maids at wing attack was matched by opposing wing attack Michelle Trigg.
Natimuk United co-coach Cheryl Sudholz played well after starting on the bench.
Harrow-Balmoral officially ended any outside chance Edenhope-Apsley had of playing finals with a crushing 73-45 win.
Amy Lewis was in superb touch for the Roos with 41 goals, and Ebonie Salter had a good battle with young Saints star Sacha McDonald at the other end.
Centre Emma Forster and defender Alex Lang were the Saints’ best.
Taylors Lake could not grab its first win of the season against Noradjuha-Quantong.
Bombers Sammi Avery and Olivia McDonald played well in goals to deliver their side a 60-18 win heading into finals.
Centre Lauren Monaghan and goal defence Audrey Delahunty were Taylors Lake’s best.
Kalkee was too strong for Rupanyup, winning 54-28.
Hayley Thomas netted 30 goals for the Kees, while Panthers coach Julia Nicholson, 14 goals, and captain Jodie Hayes were the team’s best players.