In a thrilling finish to a close match from the tip off, Club Mudgee snatched an overtime 38-37 win over Triceratops in the women's minor semi-final on Wednesday night at the PCYC.
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It was only the second victory for Club Mudgee over their rivals, the last 52-20 back in round four.
Both teams were off target early in the first quarter, but after Maree Ioane sank the first bucket for Club Mudgee, followed by a quick reply from Charli Hayes for Triceratops, there was little between the teams for the remainder of the match.
Although Triceratops led at the first break by two points, at half time it was an even game at 14-all, and even at this early stage extra time looked likely.
However, the match swung significantly in Triceratops favour in the third period, as they dominated the boards and outscored Club Mudgee 12-8 for a handy lead of 26-22 at the final break, well and truly in charge of the game.
Club Mudgee looked down and out when Triceratops scored again through Jayde Sakaria-Cecil as the final quarter unfolded, but a basket by Tayla Riley between two from Maree Ioane inspired a fight back from Club Mudgee, and by full time, despite a couple of late goals by Annie Robinson for Triceratops, Tayla Riley had the last say in the quarter to tie up the semi-final at 34 apiece.
Robinson hit a free shot to edge Triceratops ahead early in extra time, only to see Tayla Riley take Club Mudgee to the lead, but this was again quickly followed by another Triceratops goal, to give them the edge as the siren loomed.
Then, with time running out, Tayla Riley came to rescue for the final time for Club Mudgee, to give them a one point cushion, and they were able to hang on in the final seconds to claim a heart stopping victory.
Equal top scorers for Club Mudgee were Tayla Riley and Maree Ioane with 10 points, for Triceratops Annie Robinson 11, Jayde Tiano Sakaria-Cecil 10.
Club Mudgee now have the formidable task of taking on Roadrunners in the final at 6-30 next Wednesday, the winner to play Edmunds Interiors in the grand final.
