LADY Bushrangers are the first team through to the Central West AFL women's grand final after recording a 7-7-49 to 2-7-19 win over the Orange Tigers on Saturday.
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Bushrangers kept the Tigers goalless until the second half in a strong victory, with Mariah Gilchrist booting two goals for the home side at George Park.
The hosts took a commanding 35 to two lead at half-time but were held scoreless by an improved Tigers in the third quarter.
However, Bushrangers rallied to kick two more goals in the final term and progress to their second grand final in as many years.
“We were pretty confident going in. We started off really well and that helped settle us down a bit,” Bushrangers captain Kelsey Smith said.
“Our third quarter wasn’t crash hot. They had a few scoring opportunities and they hit their first goal. In the last quarter we grouped by up and finished well.”
Smith said the Tigers made her Bushrangers work hard for every point, despite what the scoreboard would suggest.
“Orange are a very physical team who know how to put the pressure on. We’ve had some really close games with them this year,” she said.
“We’re extremely proud. We do the hard work and it’s paying off. We really believe in ourselves and getting into the grand final is awesome. We’re so keen for it.”
The win turns around the result of last month’s meeting between the two teams. The Tigers’ win there remains the sole loss in the Lady Bushrangers’ short history.
Bushrangers will now play the winner of the Tigers and Dubbo Demons.