The two sides were separated by just three goals in round two, with the match-up always promising to be a close one. In a low-scoring game, Edenhope-Apsley won 34-33.

Both teams shot relatively well, with Saints shooter Krystal Schapel scoring 25 goals from 31 shots and Kalkee’s Tamara Exell shooting 17 goals from 23. 

The win puts Edenhope-Apsley one game ahead of Kalkee in third spot on 36 points. Kalkee is level with Harrow-Balmoral and the Swifts on 32 points and finds itself in fifth place. 

Kalkee coach Jaymi O’Connor said the wet conditions at the start of the game played a role in the style of game that was played. 

“The conditions weren’t great with some rain at the start of the game,” she said.

“It was very close the whole game, and the last quarter the lead changed a few times. It was a good contest. 

“We didn’t really play our style – they played really strong and defensive. We usually play a fast and long game and try to score quickly, so we couldn’t really do that.”

O’Connor said after two nail-biting losses to the Saints this season, her side was motivated to get one back if the two sides meet in finals.

“It looks as though we will play in the first round of finals if things go the way I think they will,” she said. 

“I’d be looking forward to playing them again. The girls are absolutely motivated to get one back against them.”

Harrow-Balmoral capitalised on Kalkee’s loss, comfortably defeating Taylors Lake 64-19.

The Swifts also kept the pressure on the top sides, defeating Pimpinio 66-47. Noradjuha-Quantong accounted for Jeparit-Rainbow 39-27 to keep its finals chances alive, while Natimuk United accounted for Rupanyup 60-35.