Premierships are hard to win and grand finals are hard to make.

Premierships are hard to win and grand finals are hard to make.

Allansford is celebrating after making its first Warrnambool and District league senior football decider in 21 years.

The Tim Nowell-coached Cats clawed a seven-point victory against minor premier Merrivale in the second semi-final at Davidson Oval on Saturday, August 30.

Allansford now awaits the winner of the preliminary final between the Tigers and reigning premier Nirranda at Reid Oval on Saturday, September 6.

The Blues advanced after defeating Russells Creek in the first semi-final.

In A-grade netball, Merrivale surprised the previously-unbeaten Nirranda in the second semi-final to book a direct passage to the grand final.

The two sides have enjoyed a strong rivalry in recent seasons and could yet meet again in the decider.

The Blues, who were without star player Steph Townsend against the Tigers, will now take on Allansford, which defeated Dennington in the first semi-final, in the preliminary final stage.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy

The Standard 

Sport Journalist