Melton Centrals’ dream of making the grand final in the Victorian Women’s Football League north-west division is on hold for another week.
Having gone through the season undefeated, Centrals faced their biggest test on Saturday in the semi-finals against Manor Lakes.
Manor Lakes more than matched them. Nothing separated the teams all day, with Centrals straight kicking in front of goal ensuring they led by one point at three-quarter time.
The last quarter was similar to that of the earlier three, with nothing giving – and it showed on the scoreboard.
The Storm finally managed to hit the front and stay there, winning a one-point-the-difference thriller, 5.8 (38)-6.1 (37).
Jaime Nankiville was the only multiple goal-scorer for the Centrals with two goals.
Amanda Masterton was the key for the Storm, kicking four goals.
Chelsea Forbes and Kate Saleta tried their hardest to get the Centrals across the line, but it wasn’t enough.
The loss isn’t the end for the Centrals, with their stellar form this season earning them a double chance.
Last year, they made the grand final through the preliminary final, having lost to the Sunbury Lions in the semi-finals.
Centrals will face Shepparton this weekend, after they easily accounted for Jacana in the other semi-final.
Centrals and the Bears last played each other two weeks ago, when the Centrals won by 20 points.
