THE Wagga Tigers will have to take the tough road in their quest to win a fourth straight Riverina League netball premiership after they were overrun 60-45 by Mangoplah-Cookardinia United Eastlakes in Saturday's qualifying final.
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The Goannas led throughout and blew the score out late, with their defensive intensity and the efficiency of shooters Katie Caller and Sophie Fawns the major factors.
The Tigers will now take on Coolamon in an elimination final next week after the Hoppers beat Griffith 45-40 on Saturday. The Goannas clash with minor premiers Collingullie-Glenfield Park, with the winner to advance directly to the grand final.
"It was a fair grind throughout the game to get that far ahead, it was good for the girls to push the score out late," MCUE coach Marie Campbell said.
"I think our defence got crucial turnovers when we needed them, but our shooters were on fire and nailing them from way out."
MCUE and Collingullie-Glenfield Park met in the final round of the season, with the Goannas prevailing 54-48.
It means there will be little element of surprise, with the Demons looking to advance to a second straight grand final.
"The girls will go in confident, but they'll be coming out just as hard to win the game," Campbell said.
"Our strategy will stay basically the same and adapt to whatever is put in front of us.
"You definitely want to win and go straight through (to the grand final) but if we go via the tough road it's another game to harden you before the big game as well."
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