Kalkee upsets Saints

Kalkee has moved within four points of Horsham District Football Netball League’s top six with an upset win over Edenhope-apsley.

But the Kees need to keep winning – and pray the Saints fall victim to another upset – to be any chance of securing a 2017 A Grade finals berth.

Kalkee will meet lower-ranked Rupanyup and Pimpinio in the next two weeks before coming up against fifth-placed Southern Mallee Giants in the last round of the home-and-away season.

The Saints are in a similar position, with encounters against Jeparit-rainbow and Swifts to precede a round-16 clash against second-placed Natimuk United.

Given their draw, the Saints should be able to hold on to sixth spot, but again it will depend on player availability.

An undermanned EdenhopeApsley outfit put up a good fight against Kalkee, but were unable to peg back a seven-goal first-quarter deficit, going down 33-40.

Kee Jaymi O’connor continued her good form in goals, while Coco Ledgar was again strong in defence. The Saints were best served by Alex Lang, who played at both ends of the court.

The Saints will hope to welcome back defender Cynthia Watt and the van Dyk girls against Jeparitrainbow at the weekend, but even if they don’t they should still be too strong for a developing Storm.

The Storm is coming off a tough 57-goal loss to Natimuk United. Defender Bridget Mckenzie and midcourter Alexandra Schulz were shining lights in a tough day, while Ewes defender Casey Vanstan and Amy Pilgrim, 23 goals, won beston-court honours.

Natimuk United has a chance to jump into top spot this week when it takes on ladder leader Laharum.

The Demons are coming off a comprehensive 59-goal demolition of Swifts and will be keen for a repeat of the teams’ round-three encounter, which saw Laharum emerge victorious.

The match was hotly contested, with the Demons winning by two goals, and Horsham District league fans can expect another close one this week.

Vanstan and fellow defender Caitlyn Batson will need to be on top of their game to curb the influence of Laharum shooter Caitlin Story, who continued her stellar form against Swifts with a 50-goal, best-on-court performance.

Defender Erin Mellington also had an impact, while Swifts were best served by defenders Briana Close and Erin Freeland.

Swifts got within nine goals of Pimpinio when the pair met in round three and will be keen to get the better of the Tigers on Saturday. The teams are on equal points and the young Baggies will be hungry for another win before the season’s end.

But Pimpinio’s height advantage in the goal ring should help the Tigers over the line.

Pimpinio would also love a win to soothe the pain of a 41-goal loss to Harrow-balmoral.

Goalie Jenelle Baker, who also spent some time in defence against the Southern Roos, won accolades for her performance, while Tessa Sexton worked hard in goal keeper.

Sarah Cleaver, 27 goals, and coach Ebonie Salter were judged the Roos’ best.

Thriller awaits

The pair will be pivotal when Harrow-balmoral, in third, goes head to head with Southern Mallee Giants, who have dropped to fifth following a loss to Noradjuhaquantong.

This match is guaranteed to be a cracker, with the Giants out to redeem last week’s loss by claiming another top-five scalp.

The Giants shooters will need to be on song against strong defenders Salter and Kate Vickery, who will gobble up any rebounds.

Southern Mallee also boasts a strong defence, led by Annie Noonan in a best-on-court performance last week, and its midcourters should match up well on the Roos. Expect a thriller.

The Bombers will be on a high after knocking the Giants out of fourth. Brooke Pay was resolute in defence, while Lucy Brand was outstanding in goals, shooting 21 at 92 percent. Only one goal separated the sides at three-quarter time, with Noradjuha-quantong winning by two goals after an intense final quarter.

The Bombers will be too strong for Taylors Lake this week but have tough games against Natimuk United and Laharum to come. Round-13 results: Harrow-balmoral d Pimpinio 67-26, Natimuk United d Jeparit-rainbow 76-19, Rupanyup d Taylors Lake 66-18, Laharum d Swifts 74-15, Noradjuha-quantong d Southern Mallee Giants 41-39, Kalkee d Edenhopeapsley 40-33.