The Journo
Years ago
Forestville fire into final
An inspired Forestville has stormed into the BankSA Central ABL Women's grand final with an emphatic, yet astonishing 77-66 upset of defending champion and regular season league leader North Adelaide at Hillcrest.
The Eagles seemed to have all the answers as Forestville, led by a fast starting Deanne Ranford, kept Erin Phillips quiet in a momentum gathering first period, leading 19-14.
North were always in the contest, but just couldn't crack into the lead throughout the second period, clutch three-point shooting from Forestville extending to a six-point half time lead.
Phillips came to play in the second half, keeping North in the contest, slithering to the hoop to convert on a number of three-point plays.
Not many other Rockets lifted their performance with Phillips, whereas the Eagles had contributors from everywhere, Jenny Screen was strong at both ends of the floor before fouling out.
A tense final quarter was won at the free throw line as Forestville hit 12 consecutive from the stripe to ice the game and a grand final berth.
Forestville had five player in double figure points, led by Screen (16 points, seven rebounds) and Ranford (16 points, five rebounds and four assists).
Cherie Smith added 14 points and nine rebounds while keeping Phillips relatively quiet to 22 points on 8/21 shooting and 10 rebounds.
The victory gives Forestville the week off, while North will be at home again to tackle the in form Sturt, who eliminated South Adelaide at Marion 65-61.
