It may have been a game of few chances but Old Launcestonians took their chance to secure victory over Scottsdale 2.2 (14) to 0.2 (2) and progress in the NTFAW finals.
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The crucial chance belonged to OL's forward Ashlea Mawer, who managed to find time and space inside the forward 50 in a game deprived of both factors.
As the ball spilled forwards her, Mawer assessed her options before charging into space and putting it through the big sticks for the second and final goal of the game.
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In a game that had endured two goalless quarters, the rare conversion proved the sealer.
OL's coach Mark Prior praised Mawer's performance when the game was tight.
"She was good for us, the thing with our side which we've been trying to do is get an even consistency over the team," he said.
"If someone has a down day someone else will step up."
At a muddy Invermay Park on Sunday, Scottsdale and Old Launcestonians battled against the conditions in a match aptly suited to the term war of attrition.
Both sides defences reigned supreme, where OL's Jane Astbury, in particular, stood out early in the first half with her ability to read the play and halt Scottsdale's attacking moves.
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In the second quarter, Scottsdale threatened to break the game open despite trailing the entire game but OL's defence was resolut.
Prior praised his sides defensive efforts during the game.
"In finals it's very defensive, you've got to have a defensive mindset and it'll take you a long way," he said.
Maggie Cuthbertson was outstanding for Scottsdale, demonstrating a high level of kicking proficiency on a day where the conditions made handling the ball difficult.
The final term saw the ball locked in OL's forward-half of the ground on the back on immense tackling pressure.
Taylah Lehman's speed proved ominous all game but it was Mawer who enjoyed the crowning moment and delivered a hammer blow to Scottsdale's season.
OL's face a tough fixture against Old Scotch next week for a place in the NTFAW grand final.
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Adam Daunt
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
