Saving the best ‘til last for Romsey

Romsey's Chelsea Ross had a strong game on Saturday. Picture Shawn Smits.

Romsey is becoming the last quarter specialists, with a second straight dominant final quarter earning the Redbacks a Riddell District Netball League grand final spot.

The Redbacks started slowly against Lancefield on Saturday, but began to find their groove after about five minutes.

The Redbacks hit the front in the first quarter and stayed there for the rest of the game.

For much of the middle two quarters the margin remained between six to eight goals.

The Tigers got the jump early in the last quarter, reducing the margin to four goals but that was as close as they got, and the Redbacks stormed home to win 50-36, with a 15-7 goal last quarter.

Redbacks coach Lena Way said her side, which has lost just one game for the season, deserved to be in the grand final.

“Especially after two games like that, showing a lot of resolve after being down in the game and to produce last quarters like that.”

Way, who was ready to take the court if needed despite not playing for several weeks, said having a second slow start in as many matches was something they would work on, but was thrilled with how the team responded.

“I think we still have some things to work on but it’s really encouraging going into a grand final with a win like that,” she said.

“The last three times we’ve played Lancefield we’ve won by one, one and two goals, so to have a win by 14 goals, that’s a good indicator for me.

“We’ve been talking a lot about momentum and how we can spiral up the effort and intensity and stay cool under pressure.

“To be able to execute like that and continue to turn over the ball and convert goals was really good.”

Chelsea Ross, who shot 10 goals, was named the Redbacks’ best. Ross combined with Amelia Brock who shot 40 goals from 48 attempts. Way was full of praise for Ross’ game.

“We’ve focused a lot on our attack end at training,” she said. “Chelsea has a really specific game plan and task and she played that really well, she did a great job.

“Milly’s just sterling under a ring.”

Way said they would have a full squad to choose from in the grand final.

“Bron [Bronwyn Blair] will be back for the grand final,” Way said of the shooter who was overseas for Saturday’s game.

“Hopefully Dani [Davidson] will be OK, She warmed up OK today and we’ll see how she goes at training the next couple of weeks.

“We’ll keep training in between games and keep working on things.”

The Redbacks will face the winner of the Lancefield and Melton Central match in the grand final. With wins against both sides Way is confident they can continue the same form that has got them into the grand final.

Maddison Gay was the Tigers’ best in the loss to the Redbacks.