Saints impress
Horsham Saints used a Wimmera Netball Association grand-final replay to throw the proverbial cat among the pigeons and will now target Horsham in another big game.
The sixth-placed Saints and reigning premiers, will take on second team Horsham under cover at St Brigid’s Stadium on Sunday in a game where the stakes have suddenly gone through the roof.
The stadium provided the setting last weekend for Horsham Saints to topple Minyip-murtoa 51-42 in what might unfold as much a psychological as well as physical victory.
Players from both camps fought hard to the final whistle, but it was the Saints, with their full team for the first time this season, that jumped out to an early lead.
In an intense contest across all quarters, Minyipmurtoa managed to get within three goals in the final term. But three unsuccessful goal attempts rebounded by the Saints proved costly.
Rene Caris and Elly Barnett shone for the winners and Stef Cooper and Jenna Hill were Minyip-murtoa’s best.
Demons too good
At the same time Horsham proved far too good for Stawell on the court at Horsham City Oval, winning 73-30 with Tamika Mentha and Emma Buwalda earning best-on-court honours.
Stawell’s best were Dakota Cosson and Ebony Summers.
Minyip-murtoa will attempt to rebound against Dimboola in what looms as a critical game for both teams.
Dimboola is sitting fifth, was on the end of a 37-75 loss to Warrack Eagles and will want to keep a game clear of the Saints. The Burras will want to maintain a top-three position.
Jodie Hayes and Abbey Greig were best for the Roos in a tough clash against the Eagles who now play in a Wimmera-mallee derby against the Southern Mallee Giants.
The Giants were off the pace against a defiant Nhill, losing 22-44, despite the efforts of best players Trudi Hallam and Maddelyne Shannon.
The dominating Eagles have stars across the court and on Saturday their best players were Emma Koschitzke and Megan Werner.
Nhill has a bye on Saturday but players led by Gorgia Sealey and Rosie Smith, would have been delighted with Tigers’ second win for the season. Round-nine results: Horsham d Stawell 73-30, Horsham Saints d Minyip-murtoa 51-42, Warrack Eagles d Dimboola 75-37, Nhill d Southern Mallee Giants 44-22.