By David Nagel
Garfield and Kilcunda-Bass are set for a virtual elimination final this week as both teams fight for the only available spot left in the top six.
With just three rounds remaining, the Stars – seventh – are a game and percentage behind the Panthers, but have a last-round clash against Warragul Industrials to bank on for four premiership points.
With the Panthers playing top-four teams, Nar Nar Goon and Tooradin-Dalmore, on the way home, this week shapes as the critical battle to decide the sixth best team in the competittion.
The Stars kept their finals hopes alive with a strong 54-30 victory over Cora Lynn at Garfield on Saturday.
Donna Marsh’s girls exploded out of the blocks with a 14-8 first quarter to take control of the match.
The Stars built that six-goal lead to 10 by half time, before a 15-3 third quarter put the issue of four points to bed.
Cora Lynn fought the game out well; with Gemma Stacey (GA) scoring nine last-quarter goals, but the earlier play of Ash Bowden (GD), Rebecca Van Rossen (GA) and Tyla Redwood (GS) guided the Stars to victory.
Dalyston and Nar Nar Goon produced the first draw of the WGFNC A Grade season…with both teams unable to be split at 40-40 at the conclusion of four great quarters of netball.
The Magpies led by two at quarter time before the Goon played some of their best stuff for the season, scoring 12-6 in the second term to take a four goal lead to the half.
Dalyston gradually clawed its way back, duplicating its 11-9 win in each of the last two quarters to lock things away at the buzzer.
Britt Thomas (GA) was sensational for the Pies in the final stanza, scoring 10 of her team’s 11 goals, while the Goon midcourt of Olivia Hamilton (C), Meagan Winter (WA) and Chantelle Dale (WD) were ferocious at the ball all day.
With a relatively easy run home – Warragul, Bunyip, and Korumburra – the Magpies should now hold onto third position and earn an easier week one in finals.
Kooweerup coach Kate Sidebottom (C) can start preparing for finals after the Demons scored a fantastic 39-29 win over Kilcunda-Bass.
Scores were tied at quarter time, but the Demons went bezerk in the second stanza…scoring 12-3 to take absolute control of the contest.
Ash Murphy (GA) and Jayda McConkey (GS) shared the load beautifully in the second-quarter stampede, while Sidebottom had a great duel with Kacey Maund in the pivot.
The Demons look dangerous and could be a serious threat during this year’s finals series.
Tooradin-Dalmore has awoken from an early slumber to record a fast-finishing 61-45 win over Korumburra-Bena.
The Gulls were outplayed in the first quarter, down 14-9, but took a one-goal lead to half time after a 17-11 second term.
They built that to six at the final break, before exploding away with a 20-10 last quarter.
Alex Maher (GA/GS) scored 50 for the winners, including 19 in the last, while Jess Maher (GK) tightened things up in defence after coming on at quarter time.
The Giants may have went down…but were good, with Gemma Dixon (GD), Elisha Nicholas (GA) and Georgia Hamilton (WA) all giving their all against high-class opposition.
Phillip Island has broken a four-game losing streak with an 81-31 win over Warragul Industrials.
The Bulldogs were on from the outset, scoring 19-8 early, and never took their feet off the pedals.
Lily Mewitt (GS) had a game to remember for the Doggies, putting 68 balls through the hoop, while Charli Ross (GA) and Amelie Wragg (WD) were others to enjoy their day out.
Kyra Roberts, Valerie Ryland and Kya Smith defended well for the Dusties.
And it was a case of ‘no Sadler’s, no troubles’ for Inverloch-Kongwak after the ladder leaders scored a 68-8 victory over Bunyip.
With Ella and Millie Sadler absent, coach Jarrad Walker was forced to test his depth with Ivy Hunter (WD) enjoying the jump from B Grade, and 17-under player Lara Mullin (GD) getting a brief taste of the big time.
The Sea Eagles defence was awesome on the weekend, with Renee Pilkington (GD) on fire and Linsey Boddy (GK) using her versatility to adapt and generate ball.
The Eagles conceded just two goals in all four quarters in a great display of defensive pressure and intent.
