SALE survived a strong challenge from Moe to win the Gippsland League netball elimination final on Sunday.
After the 38-37 win at Morwell, the Magpies will meet Morwell in the first semi-final this Sunday at Traralgon.
The Magpies led 12-9 at the first change before Moe, with an outstanding second term, went into half-time level 18-18.
The high standard contest continued into the third term with Sale leading 28-27 at the final change. Moe lifted in the final quarter before the Magpies fought back in the closing stages, forcing vital turnovers to scrape home by four goals.
Drouin will meet minor premier Traralgon in the second semi-final on Saturday at Moe after the Hawk’s impressive 13-goal win over Morwell in the qualifying final.
Sale and Maffra teams played in three close junior qualifying finals on Saturday at Moe.
In the under 17s, Traralgon and Maffra went goal-for-goal with the lead changing several times. The Maroons held on to win 36-35.
In the under 13s against Bairnsdale, Sale led 9-5 at quarter-time but the Redlegs kept fighting back. The Magpies played their best netball in the final term to win 29-21.
The under 15 match had another thrilling finish. Against Traralgon, Sale led 23-22 at the final change and following an even fourth term, held on to win 30-29.
Results:
A grade: qualifying final: Morwell 34-37 Drouin; elimination final: Sale 38-34 Moe.
B grade: qualifying final: Leongatha 37-50 Drouin; elimination final: Wonthaggi 39-46 Moe.
C grade: qualifying final: Leongatha 24-34 Wonthaggi; elimination final: Moe 29-30 Bairnsdale.
Under 17s: qualifying final: Traralgon 36-35 Maffra; elimination final: Moe 30-26 Drouin.
Under 15s: qualifying final: Sale 30-29 Traralgon; elimination final: Drouin 31-35 Wonthaggi.
Under 13s: qualifying final: Sale 29-21 Bairnsdale; elimination final: Traralgon 39-20 Leongatha.
Second semi-finals, Saturday at Moe:
A grade: Traralgon v Drouin, 2.15pm.
B grade: Traralgon v Drouin, 1pm.
C grade: Traralgon v Wonthaggi, noon.
Under 17s: Sale v Traralgon, 11am.
Under 15s: Maffra v Sale, 10am.
Under 13s: Wonthaggi v Sale, 9am.
First semi-finals, Sunday at Traralgon:
A grade: Morwell v Sale, 2.15pm.
B grade: Leongatha v Moe, 1pm.
C grade: Leongatha v Bairnsdale, noon.
Under 17s: Maffra v Moe, 11am.
Under 15s: Traralgon v Wonthaggi, 10am.
Under 13s: Bairnsdale v Traralgon, 9am.
