Showdown looms
Anticipation for a finals rematch is already growing after Horsham ended Minyip-murtoa’s dreams of an undefeated Wimmera Netball Association season on Saturday.
The Burras and Demons have been clear cut front runners for this season’s flag, sitting first and second respectively.
The Burras downed Horsham by a single goal in their first meeting in June, but the Demons got their revenge with a 62-52 win at Horsham City Oval at the weekend.
In a showdown between two of the association’s highest-scoring goal shooters it was Horsham’s Emma Buwalda who got the chocolates, outscoring Minyip-murtoa counterpart Kirby Knight 48 goals to 33 to give her team a decisive edge.
With defenders Georgia Hiscock and Mel Scott working hard to negate the influence of Knight and goal attack Georgia Mclennan, the Demons built a five-goal lead at quarter time and maintained a small buffer until extending the margin in the last.
Hiscock moved to centre in the second half, giving the team drive and helping offset the impact of Burra Hayley Campbell, who played an excellent game.
The Burras maintained top spot on the ladder despite the loss, with Horsham sitting second.
The sides, if they maintain their current form, seem destined to meet in a semi-final, with a further potential meeting in the grand final also possible.
There is plenty of netball to be played between now and the grand final however, with reigning
premier Horsham Saints also in the finals mix despite a three-goal loss to Stawell on Saturday.
The Warriors pipped the Saints 48-45, Ebony Summers leading the way with 29 goals.
The Saints enjoyed an early lead thanks to Abby Hallam and Lavinia Fox in goals, but the Warriors reeled them in to draw level by three quarter time, setting up a tense final term.
The Saints are still finals-bound despite the loss and cannot be counted out after winning the past two premierships from fifth place.
The Warriors, meanwhile, will do battle with Ararat at the weekend after the Rats’ 40-goal win against Southern Mallee Giants.
Megan Shea and Delaney Mcloughlan formed a deadly pair in goals, with Mcloughlan netting 47 shots and Shea earning best on court honours.
Giant Codie Robins spent time defending both players and was named her side’s best in the 7333 loss.
Warrack Eagles, also a top-five side, showed they will be tough to beat come finals time with a 76-29 thumping of Nhill.
Led by Eilish Flagg at wing defence, the Eagles piled on 21 goals in each of the first and third quarters, with Molly Stewart ending the day one goal shy of a half century.
Sarah Dickinson competed well in a Nhill defence that was under siege from the opening whistle, while Jenna Schneider worked hard to create scoring opportunities for the Tigers at goal attack.
The Eagles now face Minyip-murtoa in a top five clash, while the Tigers will host the red-hot Demons at Davis Park.
Stawell will travel to Ararat and Dimboola will return from a bye to host Southern Mallee Giants.