A RIVERLAND A1 netball season full of twists and turns had its home-and-away portion come to a close on Friday night, with the final four now locked in.
Needing to either secure victory itself, or have Loxton North defeat Renmark, Berri benefitted from the latter to earn fourth spot.
It was a tight loss for Berri at the Toyota Arena against a now in-form Barmera side, with the Lakeside club earning a two-goal victory.
In what was a seesawing affair from start to finish, Berri got away to a flying start with a five-goal quarter time lead.
However, it failed to last, with Barmera kicking into gear in the second quarter with strong link-up play through mid-court, helping the visitors to a one-goal lead at the half.
Berri dragged itself back in front by the final change, leading by two goals at the break, but a strong finish by Barmera helped it earn the victory.
Tilly Albrecht and Layla Moore produced strong showings in mid-court for Barmera, involving themselves throughout the entirety, while Meg Kassulke put through 28 goals.
Kassulke was well assisted by Hallie Hodgson, with the star shooter putting through 21 to help her side over the line.
Berri co-captains Brooke Franks (24), and Taniel Willmott (23) goals worked well, while Kyla Wade also performed well in a tough defeat.
The match ultimately served as an elimination final preview for this Friday night, which will be held at the same venue.
Elsewhere, Loxton North brought Renmark’s season to a close, responding from a disappointing loss the previous week to take out a 16-goal victory at the Alan Coulter Recreation Centre.
Despite being level at every change, North found rhythym in the second quarter, and failed to let the lead slip from there.
Young gun Maddie Growth was superb for the visitors with a massive 42 goals, while Layla Hutchinson continues to impress, scoring 15 of her own.
Centre Brooke Pietrolaj, and keeper Paris Lawrie, were strong contributors, in what was an even spread for North.
Anita Modlinski finished with 17 goals for Renmark, while Ashlea James also finished her season on a high.
Having suffered a heartbreaking defeat in last season’s thrilling grand final, North will look to preparations for the qualifying final in Berri, this Friday night, against reigning premier Loxton.
Finals action will begin this Friday night, at the Toyota Arena in Berri, with Loxton and Loxton North to do battle in the A1 competition on court one for a spot in the grand final at 6.45pm.
Barmera and Berri will meet at the same time on court two, with the winner eliminated from premiership contention.
The A2 final sees Barmera take on Loxton in the qualifying final, with Berri meeting Waikerie in the eliminator, where action will begin from 8.15pm.
Junior action will have the first against second clashes held on Saturday at Berri, while Sunday’s eliminators are fixtured for Barmera on Sunday.