It was Edenhope-Apsley’s first loss of the season and the Rams now head straight into the grand final on Saturday, September 12.

Rams coach Cheryl Sudholz said her side had been calm before the game and it paid off as they took an early lead in the first quarter against the Saints.

“Before going onto the court it was very focused,” she said.

“We had nothing to lose at that stage so to the girls credit we played one of our best games all year.”

After a 15-9 lead at the first break, the Rams were unable to add to the margin in a significant way.

They held on by seven points through the next three quarters, keeping the Saints at bay.

Alysha Liston was best on court at goal attack, covering plenty of ground to give goal shooter Shannon Couch plenty of opportunities.

However, the most impressive effort came from the Rams’ defence, which saw off four different shooters.

The Saints versatility has been a feature of their game but the Rams were able to combat it with solid defence.

“Everyone in their minds knew the jobs they had to do and they did them to perfection,” Sudholz said.

“Alysha Liston just moved and ran like there was no tomorrow.

“Our defence, Jo Taylor and Casey Vanstan, really did their job and rebounded exceptionally well against any shooters they tried to put in there.”

Saints coach Sarah Jude said the loss wasn’t ideal but her team would move on and focus on the do or die preliminary final clash against Laharum.

“Natimuk played better than us and wanted the ball more at every play,” she said.

“We have to regroup as a team and forget about the weekend.”

According to Jude there was a lack of intensity from the Saints early in the game.

“We were down by six at quarter time but the game was even in the second half,” she said.