Moama will face Shepparton Swans in the inaugural Northern Country Women’s League youth girls’ grand final after a 21-point win over Shepparton United.
The Magpies progressed to the decider in their first year of competition with a 4.4 (28) to 1.1 (7) victory, booking a ticket to face the Swans at Princess Park this Sunday, July 17.
Moama got off to a flyer with a two-goal to no score first quarter, but was held to a single behind in the second as United kicked a goal.
The Magpies added two goals for the second half but kept United scoreless through the final two stanzas to run away with the win.
“I’m rapt for the girls,” Moama coach Matt McKay said.
“They’re a great bunch of girls who have a lot of fun at training and work hard as well.
“The game on the weekend was tense for a while, both sides just threw everything at it.
“We just showed a bit more poise going forward, and the tension was off.”
Standouts for Moama included Shaleah and Jemika Cooper, Niah Bacon and Bree Church, but McKay said the whole team chipped in to secure a grand final berth.
“Shaleah and Jemika Cooper were excellent,” McKay said.
“Niah Bacon down back and Bree Church in the ruck were very good. There were another half a dozen that just did their job.”
Moama now look ahead to the 2022 decider against a Swans side who have lost just the one match for the season.
But despite the Swans picking up four wins against the Magpies this season, McKay pointed to their last contest and a healthy squad as reasons to believe Moama could go all the way.
“They’ve beaten us all four times, but last time was only three points,” McKay said.
“The pressure is off us because we’ve played Shepp four times, all different circumstances through COVID and illness.
“This time, touch wood, we look like we’re going in with one of our best sides for the year.”
Meanwhile, a gallant Echuca United brought its season to a close with a loss to the Swans in the preliminary final.