Yarra Glen had all four netball and the U18 football teams playing in first semi finals at Woori Yallock on Sunday.
All teams were playing Warburton-Millgrove.
D Grade netball started the day in fine conditions and faced the task of taking on a team they had been unable to beat through the season.
In a very competitive first quarter, Yarra Glen matched it with their more fancied opponents and were only three goals down at quarter time.
In the second, Yarra Glen just could not convert their chances whilst the Warby shooters were goaling with most of their shots as they were outscored two to 12 for the quarter.
In a great third quarter fightback, they outscored the Burras five to three.
The last quarter was goal for goal leaving Yarra Glen unable to bridge the gap, going down in a brave effort, 21 to 33.
C Grade started slowly with Warby taking a five goal lead at quarter time and extending this to 8 at half time.
In a great second half performance, Yarra Glen outscored Warburton-Millgrove 18 to 14 to get within four goals at the end.
Another brave effort from Yarra Glen but the Burras were too good early in the game, final scores, Yarra Glen 30 to Warburton-Millgrove 34.
B Grade went in as massive underdogs but despite this they showed great spirit in the first quarter to be only three goals down.
With a couple of early turnovers, Warby were able to assert their superiority to be 12 up at half time.
In a massive third quarter, the Yarra girls added 14 goals to the Burras one.
Warburton-Millgrove steadied in the last to take control of the game as Yarra Glen went down 38 to 53.
Yarra Glen’s A Grade started their battle in misty rain.
The first half was a great contest as both sides had patches of great play followed by a few loose passes.
At half time, only one goal separated the two teams.
Warburton-Millgrove got on top in the second half and in a clinical display proved to be too good for a defiant Yarra Glen with the finals scores Yarra Glen 37 to Warburton-Millgrove 50.
The Under 18s were also playing Warburton-Millgrove having played out a draw in their last contest.
Both sides started nervously with ball handling errors and poor kicking effecting both teams.
With scores level at 1.3 a piece it looked like being another close contest. Yarra Glen, however, lifted their pressure and improved their skills in the second as they kicked 3.3 to Warby’s solitary point to be 20 points ahead at half time.
The River Pigs dominated play in the third with all players lifting.
Some errant kicking for goal saw them add only the one goal for the quarter but by keeping the Burras goalless they were able to extend their lead to 29 points at the last break.
With everyone contributing in the last, the Yarra Glen boys extended their lead to go to an impressive 7.15 to 2.9 victory.
Best Players: Brody Ricco, Jake Ferris, Sam Gloury, Lachlan Rutherford, Lachlan Carter, Kobey Jarvis. Goalkickers, Lachlan Rutherford 2, Lachlan Carter 1, John Pavic 1, Hunter Grenfell 1, Robert Pavic 1, Brody Adams 1.
Next week, the Under 18s advance to the preliminary final at Yarra Junction on Saturday where they will face Seville.
