Mount Gambier Netball Association played its semi final matches in poor weather last weekend.

The young Saints side, who had taken all before them this season, met Intruders, while Zodiacs Blue met Zodiacs Gold.

Saints v Intruders

The first quarter of Mount Gambier Netball Association's Major Semi Final took its toll on the younger Saints players. The team took their time to settle into the game, giving Intruders the window of opportunity that they needed to get on the board early and boost their confidence.

Intruders, who saved their best performance so far this year for the semi final, were able to equal Saints score of 9 goals for the quarter which saw Saints in an unfamiliar territory after having such a strong year.

At quarter time Coach Sam Primmer spoke to her girls in an attempt to settle them down and focus on the job at hand. Going into the second quarter Rhiannon Primmer took the court at WA and worked hard against Janine Megaw, who put in a strong performance all game.

Association Best and Fairest Tanya Thomson didn't disappoint with some beautiful work over the court. Thomson has had a consistently good season enjoying her role in the Saints side, and although Intruders Centre Le-Anne Thompson worked hard, Tanya was too strong on many occasions.

Primmer's words of encouragement had some effect on her players and Saints managed to pull away in the second quarter despite Intruders still taking the court with the hope of finally toppling the Saints side.

Going into the third quarter Saints lead by 9 goals, so they left their side unchanged. Intruders Coach Leanne Bain left her side unchanged for the whole game giving the side consistency and the opportunity to own their positions.

Megan Ridding and Kerryn Schmidt made it hard for the Intruders goalies, forcing Intruders to work the ball around the ring but with the beautiful shooting of Nicole Rutkowski and Amanda Easson they were able to still convert on many occasions.

Going into the final quarter although Saints had extended their lead by 14 goals Intruders continued to make Saints work hard for every one of their goals.

Sonya Neale, Association Runner up Best and Fairest, was effective in defence being a key contributor to many turnovers and worked well with fellow defender Ashlie Michell.

Saints hung on to the lead and won the game by 15 goals one of the narrowest margins of the season to take the win 47-32. Best players for Saints were Sam Primmer and Tanya Thomson, Intruders best were Nicole Rutkowski and Janine Megaw.

Result:
Saints 47 d Intruders 32

Zodiacs Blue v Zodiacs Gold

Zodiacs Gold were the surprise winners of the second semi final on Saturday with a convincing win over their sister team Zodiacs Blue.

Zodiacs Blue had a great year having wins against both Intruders and Zodiacs Gold and went in as favourites to beat the Gold team for the second Semi Final.

Zodiacs Gold came out strongly assisted by the combination of Jenna Smith in goals with Yvette Holmes, who polled well in the Association votes for the season at Sunday's Medal Count. Gold's defenders Tanielle Brooksby and Jessica Mowatt were able to limit the Blue goalies, Bonnie Carson and Kaylah Earl, to just four goals in the first quarter.

In the last half of the game Zodiacs Gold continued their quest for a finals berth. Holmes continued her encouragement of the players on court while Coach Gaynor Smith was on the side lines giving unlimited support as she has done all season.

The play was even throughout the game but Zodiacs Gold were too strong on the day, the difference may have been the Blue team changing positions of some of their key players.

Result:
Zodiacs Gold 39 d Zodiacs Blue 25

Next Week's Final

With Saints going straight into the Grand Final after their win this will give them opportunity to re-group and work with the younger players ready to face the winner of next week's final.

Intruders now play Zodiacs Gold to decide who goes up against Saints in the Grand Final. Given the performance of Intruders on Saturday, they will go into the game as strong favourites to defeat Zodiacs Gold.