Hawks found their mojo after a couple of slow weeks to claim a three-goal win over Vipers in a hard-fought, topsy-turvy, second-versus-third showdown, which also made sure the two blues ended the season in second spot.

A rematch of last year’s decider that Hawks forced into extra-time – and City ended up winning – the first grand final qualifier shapes as another epic between the two powerhouse sides.

“It’s an excellent result, City have been outstanding again this season so they are the benchmark and we’re chasing them down again,” Hawks player-coach Amanda Hurford said.

“But, you know, anyone on their day can give them a good shake. We’ll have to be at our best, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Hawks’ 43-40 win on Saturday was born from an excellent mid-court defensive effort, Hurford said, and continued the side’s dramatic improvement after suffering a small form slump recently.

“We hadn’t had much flow, but we started improving and played well last weekend (against Orange City Newey’s Drive-Thru Cleaners) and I think we built on that again,” she explained.

“I’m extremely pleased, I’m very impressed with everyone. One thing we’ve really improved is our trust in one an other, in attack and defence.

“That comes from a lot of communication.”

Nothing about the win was easy for Hawks, and Vipers’ effort to stick with last year’s grand finalists was impressive considering they had just one substitute and Soph Kleeman was playing on a badly sprained ankle.

The lead changed hands a number of times throughout the game.

Hawks led 11-7 at the first break, but Vipers clicked into gear in the second quarter, lifting their intensity at both ends of the court.

They fought back to 14-14 midway through the second term, before pushing to a 20-18 lead at the main break.

Hawks nailed the first three goals of the third quarter to take a one-goal lead, the sides traded scores after that to once again be deadlocked at 22-22.

Kleeman dialled in in the middle stages of the penultimate term, hitting four straight goals to give her side a 26-22 lead.

Although her side was visibly starting to tire that scoring run gave credence to the thought Vipers could hold on, although only for the most fleeting of moments.

That lead quickly spun around, Hawks swooping on a couple of loose passes to nail eight goals to two in the late stages of the third term and earn a 30-28 lead going into the final quarter.

The two blues didn’t give the lead up in the fourth term either, thanks in part to some more loose balls from Vipers, securing the 43-30 victory.

“I think our mid-court defence was great, really helped us today and our circle defence was really good too,”  Hurford said.

“But our shooting end was equally as good, they were fantastic.

“They did a little bit of homework on their own, which shows their dedication and how much they want it. Combined with their talent, that’s a very good thing for us.”

In particular, Tash Rudd’s effort on and off the ball at centre was excellent while Erin Naden’s speed on the wing was a bit factor in a number of fourth-quarter turnovers that lead to goals.

The victory also came on a very special day for the Hawks club.

Three-month-old Mabel Johnson has been diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disease affecting one in 15,000 children which impacts her feelings of hunger.

To help raise money for the genetic therapy which could help Hawks and Orange Netball Association threw their support behind the cause, donating a gold coin for every goal scored by Hawks players, who were decked out in orange.

Taking into account the $2550 raised on the courts on Saturday, almost $30,000 has so far been raised.

“Team Mabel’s a big part of a lot of our lives, all of our lives,” Hurford, also Hawks’ president, said.

“It was a big day for us, a really big day and I’m glad we could get a win.”

In Saturday’s other results Orange City easily defeated Kinross, 71-30, while Life Studio beat Orange City Newey’s Drive-Thru Cleaners 44-28 and Life Studio Mid West Eyes drew with Hawks Central Fitness, 38-38.

Vipers will face Life Studio in the minor semi-final, both play-off games are on Saturday at Sir Neville Howse Stadium.