The Blues prevailed 72-65 at Finley Recreation Reserve on Saturday, ending the Lions’ campaign and earning themselves a shot at minor premier Nathalia in next weekend’s season decider.
It completes a remarkable run through the finals for Tongala, which has now won three consecutive knockout matches after defeating Numurkah 57-49 in the elimination final and two-time reigning premier Rumbalara 55-39 in the semi-final.
Saturday’s preliminary final proved their toughest test yet.
Mulwala and Tongala traded goals throughout the opening stages before the Blues began to make their move, with Chicquita Vick and Amelia Brock doing the damage in the shooting circle.
From 7-7, Tongala reeled off six of the next seven goals to establish a 13-8 advantage and steadily built on its lead.
The Blues were 22-12 ahead by the 18-minute mark and continued to find avenues to goal through Brock and Vick, stretching their advantage as high as 14 goals during the second period.
Mulwala refused to allow the contest to get away from it, however, with Stephanie Ferguson and Stephanie Hammond keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
The Lions gradually chipped away and, after falling 33-18 behind, mounted an important response.
Hammond and Ferguson combined to help reduce the deficit, with Mulwala eventually closing to within three goals at 46-43 late in the third period.That momentum carried into the final term.
Hammond and Ferguson continued to apply pressure and Mulwala finally erased the deficit when Hammond levelled proceedings at 53-53.
Suddenly, a contest Tongala had appeared to have under control was up for grabs.Mulwala edged ahead 54-53 and then 55-54, but the Blues responded when it mattered most.
Vick levelled the scores at 55-55 before Natasha Dodos put Tongala back in front, and from there the Blues began to regain control.
Mulwala drew level once more at 58-58, but Tongala produced the decisive run late in the contest, with Vick and Dodos combining to push their side clear.
The Blues eventually closed out a 72-65 victory, completing a seven-goal triumph and sending themselves into the biggest game of the season.
Vick finished with 32 goals for Tongala, while Brock contributed 20, Dodos 13 and Abby Pettifer seven.
For Mulwala, Hammond led the scoring with 32 goals, Ferguson added 30 and Indianna Frauenfelder chipped in with three.
The result sets up a fascinating grand final against Nathalia, which has enjoyed the week off after defeating Mulwala 65-47 in the qualifying semi-final.
The Purples finished the home-and-away campaign with a dominant 17-1 record.
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