In a thriller in front of its home crowd, Stawell’s one-goal victory in the Wimmera league A Grade elimination final will go down as a match to remember.

The Warriors’ 32-31 win over Nhill in wet and windy conditions at Central Park earned them the right to progress to the second week of finals, where they will take on Dimboola in another do-or-die clash.

Stawell led 11-7 at quarter time, before the margin narrowed to two goals at the main break.

Nhill made some positional changes in the attacking end in the third term as the lead changed several times, making it anyone’s game.

The fourth quarter was dotted with goal attempts as both teams’ goalers felt the pressure.

With less than two minutes remaining, scores were level but Stawell goal attack Madi Taylor shot two goals to put the home side in front before Nhill brought the margin back to one goal.

Taylor and goal keeper Lauren Homden were best for the Warriors, while Nhill’s best players were centre Ellen Bennett and goal keeper Larnie Hobbs.

In the qualifying final at Davis Park, Nhill, Horsham Saints proved their class with a 61-30 win over Dimboola.

The Saints were hot from the outset, putting on five goals before the Roos had scored in the first term and took a 10-goal lead into quarter time.

Goal defender Maddi Bethune was proving a force for the Saints and five minutes into the second term, Dimboola swung some changes in its attacking end.

Coach Ash Morrish came on into goal attack, while Olivia Beugelaar moved to goal shooter, but it wasn’t enough to make a difference on the scoreboard.

The Saints continued their merry way with a 15-9 second quarter to edge out to a 16-goal lead by the main break.

The unchanged Saints continued to dominate in the third term, piling on 16 goals in the third term as Dimboola again made some positional changes to try and shake up the scoreline.

Youngster Indy Ward came onto the court, while the midcourt changed positions, but the Saints were too strong in defence and restricted the Roos to just eight goals in the third term.

Both teams made changes to their defensive ends in the fourth term, but it did little to affect the scoreline as the Saints ran out 31-goal winners to book their spot in the second semi-final against Horsham Demons.

After having the first week of finals off, the Demons are sure to come out firing at Warracknabeal, in what is set to be a close match, and a preview to this year’s grand final.

Meanwhile Dimboola has a second chance and will play Stawell in a first semi-final at Coughlin Park, Horsham, on Sunday.

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