Despite knowing they’d finish second on the ladder regardless of the outcome, the Lions planned to continue their strong run into finals.

“We went in with that extra motivation knowing this was the only team we weren’t able to beat in this competition because their particular style of play,” coach Brett Humphreys said.

Young was quick to terrorise Wagga with pressure, forcing mistakes from the opposition.

An early goal by striker Ellie Hawkey was disallowed due to a collision and the play went the way of Wagga who earned a penalty.

In the following minutes - after another heavy collision between Wagga’s goalkeeper and defence - Hawkey found the back of the net once again.

Another good individual effort by Hawkey - who received the ball from right fullback Sam Edwards - saw her manoeuvre her way down the wing, to centre, and put Young in a 2-nil lead.

Young’s forward, Jemma Long, was next to earn praise after her pressure on Wagga’s defence resulted in an own-goal, taking Young to a 3-nil lead.

Wagga responded to this with a quick goal late in first half to leave the scores at 3-1 come halftime.

Young’s halftime talk consisted of slowing down the game through passing and possession in order to frustrate Wagga out of the game.

“We were able to do this and were fortunate enough to score our fourth goal which again came from the right hand side - a cross from Hawkey to Long who finished it off,” Humphreys said.

“It was one of the better goals we’ve scored this year as a team.”

South Wagga got a late consolation goal through their key player who used her speed to get around Young’s defenders.

“It was a bit disappointing to let that late goal in but that’s what we’ve worked on in training this week - turning up for each other and playing for the person next to us,” Humphreys said.

“She deserved that goal and was a great effort from her.”

Young went into full-time winners, 4-2, in what was another good effort across the board.

Players Player went to centre back Tammi Brewer who was a standout with her “no fuss” game in defence to support teammate Patricia Dawe and allow her to play her natural game.

Katie Trompp rose to the occasion to earn the Coaches Award after one of her best games of the season.

Humphreys also gave special mention to midfielders Ashleigh Humphreys and Micaela Hall who both had their regular consistent games.

This weekend Young will take on ladder leaders Junee at Wagga in the semi-finals.

“We will continue to look to the strong form we’ve shown against Junee this weekend,” Humphreys said.

“They’ve only conceded 12 goals this season, of which we’ve scored eight. 

“They’re a team that we’ve shown we can match it with.”