After having missed out on last years finals by percentage and only just scraping into this season’s top six, South Launceston’s win came as somewhat of a surprise. City was under the pump from the start but dug deep to gain control of the midfield thanks to some steady on field leadership from Stacey Groves, Karen Challis and Nicole Symonds.  Despite having one goal disallowed, City still managed to lead at the break through Monique Grundy.  But after half time, South fired again forcing a number of penalty corners and scoring twice through Gabby Petterwood and Lauren Griffiths. Still well in the game, City forced numerous PCs of their own but Katie Hill was brilliant, again showing why she is recognised as probably the best keeper in the league. While many believed City to be the best team on the day it was little consolation as their season came to a disappointing end.

Two big round wins saw Devonport go in as strong favourites against West Devonport and after an early PC conversion through Jodie Watson it looked like a repeat performance was on the cards.  However, Danielle Emmett, Leanne Bissett, Lucinda Spencer and Kourtnie Hicks then set up a tight defensive net which significantly reduced further scoring chances.   Close marking of key players, Sam Mansfield, Angela Sheahen (West) and Hannah Sealby, Sarah Hardy and Brit Gibson (Devonport) led to plenty of midfield congestion. This put Jess Ryan, Carmen Pearce, Stacey Lyons and Kylie Grave constantly in the lime light with all having plenty of influence.  In the second half, West kept opposition fullbacks Kymm Clarke and Racquel Innes and keeper, Kristy Loone working overtime and were incredibly unlucky not to score with post hits, missed open goals and desperate clearances leaving them unrewarded. With 5 minutes left, in one of few breakaways, Britt Gibson put in a superb pass to a diving Amanda VonSchill who scored to give Devonport some much needed breathing space and eventually the win and chance to play in next week’s preliminary final against Launceston City.

SouthLaunceston def CityMarians   2-1

Goals:  SL          G Petterwood, L Griffiths

            CM          M Grundy

Best:  SL           G Petterwood, L Griffiths, K Hill

            CM          S Groves, N Symonds, K Challis

Devonport def West Devonport   2-0

Goals   D          J Watson,   A Von Schill     

Best      D          J Watson     J Ryan       K Loone

             WD      D Emmett   S Mansfield   L Spencer