Intense netball at Beulah
What a game in Wimmera Netball Association at Beulah on Saturday.
Ararat made the long journey up the highway to play Southern Mallee Giants and in the end Ararat prevailed 53-49.
Ararat started strongly and moved the ball quickly down the court, with centre Kate Bligh and wing attack Jess Williamson dynamic in attack, taking the pressure off goalies Tayla Borrelli and Delaney Mcloughlan.
Ararat’s major concern was the Giants’ tall timber in attack, with former Firebirds player Janelle Lawson lining up under the ring and hard to stop.
Ararat players Racquel Scott in goal defence and Monique Scott, wing defence, had to win the ball outside the circle and finished the contest with best-on-court honours.
Goal-keeper Tahnee Walker also did her best on the ex-national netballer.
Teams were even in the dying minutes of the game but Ararat ultimately won by four goals.
The Giants trailed at every change, but through Codie Marie Robins and Maddelyne Foott came back strongly in the second half.
At Warracknabeal meanwhile, Warrack Eagles scored a significant 47-37 win over Horsham.
Eagles keeper Jess Kelly and wing attack Zandria Malone were standouts for the winners, while best for Horsham were new recruit Casey Jess and Olivia Jones.
The contest was close for three quarters, Horsham winning the first but the Eagles gaining an edge in the second.
The Eagles extended a lead to four at the last change and ran away with the contest, capitalising on Horsham mistakes.
The contest was physical and it was the Eagles’ experience and teamwork that prevailed.
Horsham is looking forward to a break this week before it takes take on powerhouse Minyip-murtoa in round five.
The Eagles will take on unbeaten Ararat, also after a week off.
Minyip-murtoa proved too strong for Nhill Tigers, winning 62-22.
The Tigers had a tough day at the office and while matching the Burras for a large portion of the game, lapses of concentration and difficulty converting under the post led to an ultimate blow-out.
Kirby Knight and Maddi Morgan shared goal-shooting duties for the winners, with Morgan performing well against tight defence.
Billie Bibby controlled the centre well and earned best-on-court honours and defensive pressure forced Nhill errors. Paula Wiedermann was miserly in defence.
For the Tigers, captain Lauren Tink was exceptional at wing attack and Emma Hawker had a strong game in defence.
The Tigers will take on Horsham Saints after this week’s break.
Horsham Saints beat Stawell 64-53 in the remaining game, with goal attack Abby Hallam and Gabby O’brien leading the way for the winners and Dakota Cosson and Jemma Clarkson best for Stawell. Round-four results: Ararat d Southern Mallee Giants 53-49, Warrack Eagles d Horsham 47-37, Horsham Saints d Stawell 64-53, Minyip-murtoa d Nhill 62-22.