In windy and overcast conditions, the second semi finals at Longwarry saw some netball matches hotter than last week's conditions.

A grade: Neerim South defeated Nilma Darnum 49-42
With a clean sheet without a loss over the last three seasons, Neerim South took to the court as favourites. However, Nilma Darnum didn't read the script.
The Darnos banged on the first three goals and, despite being headed during the quarter, held the lead at the first break by two, silencing the Cats' sideline contingent.
Both teams remained unchanged heading into the second quarter as every player on court willed themselves to each contest. With no love-loss between either team, Neerim managed to settle and shift the momentum their way.
The first rolling sub came halfway through the quarter for Nilma, whilst the Cats remained steady when it counted. They held a four-goal lead at the long break, 25-21.
Neerim began the second half the way they left off, grabbing the first goal and settling. Nilma's goal attack Skye Rees was given a warning from the umpire in the first few minutes. However, Nilma rallied, rising to the occasion to equal the scores halfway through the quarter.
Momentum soon swung again, with the lead back in Neerim's favour. The Cats took a four-goal lead with a goal on the three-quarter time siren.
The crowd expected an intense last quarter to see who qualified for the grand final, with both teams eager to give their all.
Great teams rise to the occasion, and that's exactly what Neerim South did. The Cats shot the first eight goals of the quarter.
Despite a number of opportunities, Nilma's first goal didn't come until eight minutes into the quarter. A swing of players for Nilma was too little, too late, with Neerim into their third consecutive grand final. The final margin was seven goals.
Best on court: Neerim South coach and goal defence Christie Urie.

B grade: Ellinbank defeated Buln Buln 44-23
Conditions remained blustery but the rain stopped for the start of B grade.
It looked like both Ellinbank and Buln Buln were trying to work each other's game out, as the match started very defensively. Ellinbank had a nose in front, 9-6, at the first break.
Defensive pressure from both teams caused plenty of turnovers in the second quarter, but it was Ellinbank's goaling circle who stepped up to bang on 12 goals. This resulted in a comfortable eight-goal lead at the long break.
The Bankers extended their lead in the all-important third quarter. Despite changes to try and halt the surge, Ellinbank had another winning term by six goals. They took a 14-goal lead into the last quarter.
It was all Ellinbank in the final quarter, consistently intercepting and shooting goals to take a comfortable 21-goal win.
Best on court: Ellinbank goaler Remy Ferguson.

C grade: Ellinbank defeated Neerim South 33-31
The rain started to clear for the start of C grade as Ellinbank and Neerim South took to the court. Teams went goal-for-goal and capitalised on their intercepts, but it was Neerim who broke the run of play to take an early lead. It was 11-7 at quarter time.
Both teams brought their intense defensive game as pressure mounted. Ellinbank, showing their finals experience, gained momentum with a few changes to the line-up. In a better second term, they grabbing the lead by the end of the second quarter. It was 18-15 at half time.
The rain and wind swirled to slow the game down in the third. Despite the conditions, both teams were able to add to their tallies. The Bankers maintained their lead, albeit just a two goal margin, heading into the final quarter.
Like the first quarter, both teams came out hot, wanting to take the win and direct path into the grand final. The defensive ends made it difficult for both goal circles, resulting in the ball moving up and down the court for a majority of the quarter.
In a tight and nail-biting finish, Ellinbank held on for the win by just two goals.
Best on court: Ellinbank goal defence Chloe Wallace.

17 and under: Catani defeated Yarragon 44-17
Catani entered red hot favourites after defeating Yarragon convincingly in the final home and away game. However, Yarragon with some finals experience under their belt, were able to break Catani's first centre pass and grab the first couple of goals to begin the game.
Catani made some positional changes with the rolling subs and it was virtually all Blues from that point on.
After nerves settled, Catani held a 12-6 lead at the quarter break and extended that margin with strong team defence to 20-10 at half time.
Rain and wind didn't prevent Catani from scoring goals, with a big 16 goal to three quarter, demonstrating their composure.
The final quarter was a fait accompli, with a low-scoring final quarter. Catani ran out easy 27-point winners to advance straight into the grand final.
Best on court: Catani goal keeper Ebony Dale.

15 and under: Buln Buln defeated Lang Lang 34-27
With a draw the closest to a loss this season, Buln Buln entered this game as favourites. However, it was Lang Lang who came out firing. With a late goal, they held a lead at quarter time.
Lang Lang pushed their lead out to three during the second quarter. Buln, with a few positional changes and the rolling subs coming into play, reduced the margin and went into the long break level at 14-14.
The "premiership" quarter was goal-for-goal as both teams worked hard to create turnovers. In a tight and close contest, the Lyrebirds edged in front by two with a goal close to the siren.
With the wind playing havoc in the final term, Buln's defence was able to stand tall and their goalers remained accurate under pressure. Lang Lang put in a good effort but it was Buln who ran away seven-goal winners.
Best on court: Buln Buln goal attack Ruby Bridger.

13 and under: Buln Buln defeated Yarragon 35-17
Buln Buln and Yarragon took to the court to begin the day. The teams had ended the season only separated by percentage, with the Panthers winning through to the semi final after their win over second placed Poowong.
It was all Buln Buln from the first whistle. They were in control across the whole court and established a commanding 11-1 lead at the first break.
Any nerves Buln may have had weren't showing in the second quarter. Yarragon was unable to get any rhythm thanks to good Buln defence.
Yarragon got some goals late in the quarter, but another 10-goal term had Buln leading convincingly 21-5.
With the crowd building, so too was Yarragon's pressure. The Panthers were able to win the quarter to trail by 14 goals at the final break.
Despite Yarragon giving it their all, Buln Buln were just too good when it counted. They extended their margin to 18 goals to win and head straight into the grand final.
Best on court: Buln Buln wing attack Sapphire Pratt.