Under-14 “B”
Boort v. Birchip-Watchem
A very ferocious start from both Boort and Birchip-Watchem Under-14 “B’ with Boort scoring the first goal of the match. The ball went up and down the court several times due to a few nervous footwork calls. Both teams were playing a strong defensive game, putting the goalers under all sorts of pressure. By the end of the first quarter both teams managed to settle down and find some rhythm, with Birchip-Watchem leading by two goals.
Birchip-Watchem started strongly in the second term with some very slick plays by its mid-courters. Boort was very good at working the ball around and waiting until the best opportunity presented itself. Boort had its chances to get ahead in the second quarter but inaccuracy under post meant its went into half time down by three.
Birchip-Watchem was very strong after half time, increasing its defensive pressure all the way down the court. It was goal for goal for most of the third quarter and the pressure certainly intensified. Birchip-Watchem maintained a two goal lead at the final break.
In the last quarter Boort scored off three crucial turnovers, scores drew back level with five minutes remaining. Birchip-Watchem regained its composure and had some great plays going down court. Birchip-Watchem took out a very hard fought win to defeat Boort by three goals. The Bulls will meet St Arnaud in the grand finals next week. Final score: Birchip-Watchem 18 d. Boort 15. 
Under-14 “A”
Donald v. Birchip-Watchem
Brilliant sunshine and perfect finals conditions welcomed all to St. Arnaud with a fast-paced start for the first game of the day. Donald appeared to be the physically more dominant team with lots of height across the court, but Birchip-Watchem persevered with some good rebounding and team play down the court. Some accurate shooting from Birchip-Watchem saw the scores level out during the second quarter, before Donald scored a few quick goals to gain a small lead at half-time.
The Donald defence line was incredibly difficult to penetrate, causing several 
errors and turnovers from Birchip-Watchem. Although they had plenty of the play the Bulls just couldn’t make it count. Donald continued to hold its lead for the remainder of the game, with solid ball skills and teamwork on display. Strong circle work by the Donald attackers saw the lead increase to the biggest margin of the game. Both teams put on a competitive display – the future looks bright for NCNA if this junior game is anything to go by!
Congratulations to Donald which will now meet Boort in the grand final at Wedderburn. Final score: Donald 19 d. Birchip-Watchem 13.
Under-17 
Boort v. Birchip-Watchem
A strong start by Birchip-Watchem gaining a six goal lead quickly within the first quarter. With beautiful shooting and dominance in defence and all the way down the court, the Bulls stretched this out to a large deficit, leading by 12 goals at the first quarter break. Boort tried some positional changes at both ends of the court but to no avail.
Birchip-Watchem  contin-ued to pile on the goals, with some of its shooting performances appearing almost effortless. The pressure and intercepts across the court were consistent throughout the game. Boort battled on but never looked close to challenging.
Tomorrow’s grand final between Calder United and Birchip-Watchem is sure to be a terrific contest. Well done Bulls. Final score: Birchip-Watchem 69 d. Boort 22.
“C” Reserve
 Calder United v. Sea Lake-Nandaly
A quick start to Sea Lake before both teams settled into the game. Some early nerves and scrappy play occurred before the sides found their rhythm. With scores close and a small lead to the Tigers throughout the quarter, the difference appeared to be the tall GS for the Lions, who dominated play in the goal circle.
Calder United really picked up the pace in the second quarter, ultimately winning the quarter in goals scored and levelling the scores at half-time. The Lions’ defensive pressure and hunt for the ball really picked up and saw them dominate the quarter. Some tactical changes in defence also made Sea Lake-Nandaly work much harder for every goal.
The game was goal for goal, with few errors by either side. There were only a small number of rebounds or turnovers which really needed each team to capitalize on and try to find that elusive mini-lead. Sea Lake-Nandaly had a small lead of three goals going into the final quarter.
A thriller in the final quarter with critical turnovers going Calder United’s way. Nerves took hold in the Lions’ goal circle which allowed Calder United to edge in front at the most important time. A fantastic match that was competitive from start to finish. Congratulations to Calder United which will meet Boort in the grand final next week. Final score: Calder United 45 d. Sea Lake-Nandaly 44.
“C” Grade 
Boort v. Wedderburn
Wedderburn made a great start, blowing Boort out of the water before it had time to adjust. Boort settled in the second quarter after making some positional changes and clawed back a few goals. Defensive pressure at both ends saw numerous turnovers. Half-time score had Wedderburn leading Boort 27 to 19.
In the third quarter Boort made some further positional changes and brought on some experienced players. The Magpies mounted a huge comeback in this quarter bringing the scores to 36-34, still just in favour of Wedderburn.
In the end Wedderburn was too strong, taking the win by three goals. Final score: Wedderburn 47 d. Boort 44.
“B” Grade 
Calder United v. Birchip-Watchem
Calder United was focused and determined from the first whistle. Goals came easily to the Lions stretching to an early lead of nine goals. Accurate shooting from both ends of the court was a 
pleasure to watch.
The tight contest continued throughout the second quarter. The game was close, with good body contact and great pressure down the court, forcing some basic errors for both teams. A very even quarter in terms of scoring, but the deficit from the first quarter was proving difficult to claw back. Calder United still up by eight goals at half-time.
Calder United really pushed down the pedal in the third term. Dominant mid-court play, combined with excellent defence and accurate goaling allowed the lead to stretch out by 15 goals. The low-scoring and physical match was just not presenting enough opportunities for Birchip-Watchem to encroach on Calder United’s strong lead.
The intensity dropped out of the last quarter as Calder United continued to enjoy a comfortable lead. Birchip-Watchem fought it out until the end, but couldn’t overcome the combination of accurate shooting and relentless pressure.
Congratulations to Calder United on the win – it will meet Wedderburn next Saturday in the grand final. Final score: Calder United 46 d. Birchip-Watchem 28.
“A” Grade 
Boort v. Sea Lake-Nandaly
A few minutes passed, with play from end to end before anyone scored a goal, Boort ended up with the first. Several mistakes, missed goals, shooter contacts and more marred the first quarter, which ended up being a low scoring affair.
A tough second quarter followed, with a few positional changes from Sea Lake-Nandaly. It managed to claw back the lead from Boort finishing with a goal difference.
The third quarter was a physical slog, Sea Lake-Nandaly and Boort both competing strongly and fairly for the ball. The defence and contest on the ball was top notch.
The tide turned in the last quarter with Sea Lake-Nandaly nudging ahead. Boort appeared nervous and lacked drive through the middle. Sea Lake-Nandaly had made its move when it counted most. Boort missed crucial goals when they counted. Multiple cautions were given to both teams by both umpires – the heat was really on in this game; it really was anyone’s for the taking.
A controversial decision which disallowed a late Boort goal proved deadly in the end, with Sea Lake-Nandaly taking the match by one goal. A thrilling match. 
Sea Lake-Nandaly will meet Wedderburn in the grand final on Saturday, for what is sure to be great contest and end to a competitive season in 2025. Final score: Sea Lake-Nandaly 31 d. Boort 30.