GRIFFITH has turned the Riverina League finals race on its head by pulling off the upset of the season against previously unbeaten Collingullie-Glenfield Park in a one-goal thriller on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Demons, who had won their first eight games, sorely missed key defenders Brigetta Hart and Jemima Norbury in the shock 47-46 loss at Griffith.
Swans shooters Jenna Richards and Markala Johnston took full advantage to help the hosts break a four game losing streak, the last three against top four sides.
The win puts Griffith (4-5 record) into equal fifth on the ladder alongside Coolamon, with games against bottom two teams Turvey Park and Narrandera to come the next fortnight.
"They had a few defenders out whch made it bit easier for us," Griffith wing defence Sarah McCluskey said.
"It will be good for our confidence going forward. We've lost a fair few close games in recent weeks and you get a bit sick of losing by small margins, so it's good to be on the other side of it."
McCluskey said Richards, still just 16, and Johnston are starting to click in the midst of their first season as an attacking unit.
"Our shooters have been working really well together. They're a new combination this year and are starting to get used to each other and move in the circle well together," she said.
"We have a lot of young girls and they're definitely maturing and benefiting from the experience of playing last year and this year.
"The last couple of minutes they had that composure to pull off a play when they needed to, and are starting to achieve some good things."
After a brutal schedule where they've played every top four team in as many weeks, the Swans now have a chance to surge up a later in the back end of the season.
After Turvey Park and Narrandera they travel to the Hoppers in a game which could decide which team locks down a top five spot.
Griffith advanced to the second round of finals last year and are optimistic they can do some damage should they qualify again.
"We've been working on starting our games well because that's what's let us down," McCluskey said.
"We've got a fairly similar team and giving the young girls some experience beforehand is really important.
In other matches defending champions Wagga Tigers and Leeton Whitton shared the spoils 43-all, the second draw in the Riverina League this season.
Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong consolidated fourth spot with a 50-31 win over Narrandera and MCUE easily accounted for Turvey Park 67-29.
READ MORE
