Saints hold on for win
Reigning Wimmera Netball Association A Grade premier Horsham Saints will search for its second win of the season against winless Nhill after dispatching Horsham in an impressive Anzac Day win.
The Saints got a quick jump on the Demons in the first quarter and refused to surrender their lead, despite the teams being relatively evenly matched after half-time.
Demon goalie Emma Buwalda seemingly couldn’t miss, netting 44 of her team’s 47 goals, but the Saints’ defenders, led by Elly Barnett and Rene Caris, were able to create enough turnovers to keep Buwalda and the Demons at bay.
Saint Maggie Caris’ height at goal shooter proved too much for Horsham defenders Mel Scott, Georgia Hiscock and Victoria Taylor, while Lavinia Fox was outstanding at goal attack.
The 58-47 win righted the ship for the Saints after a first-up loss to Minyip-murtoa.
The Demons face a challenge against Southern Mallee Giants as they search for their first win of the season.
The Giants were narrowly defeated 35-31 by Warrack Eagles after leading by a goal at half-time, and need a win to maintain their place in the top five.
The Eagles, meanwhile, face Stawell, which has not played a match since its Good Friday loss to Ararat.
The Warriors have been competitive but are winless in their first two games, and might find any hopes of playing finals quickly dashed if they are unable to overcome the Eagles.
Ararat will host Dimboola after a 26-goal win against bottom side Nhill at the weekend. The Rats won every quarter in their 56-30 victory but will face a tougher test against the Roos, who were competitive but ultimately unsuccessful in a 54-43 loss to undefeated Minyip-murtoa.
The Burras will bank four points with a bye this round and could find themselves atop the ladder if Ararat loses on Saturday.