Milestone game comes with a win
Abuoyant Pimpinio A Grade side will head into a bye week on a high after banking its first win of the season with a shock one-goal upset of Noradjuhaquantong.
The Tigers looked to have let a golden opportunity slip after blowing a two-goal quarter-time lead to trail by two goals at the final change, but near-flawless shooting from goalies Lana Ellis and Jenelle Baker in the fourth quarter saw them sneak home for a 38-37 win.
Baker showed nerves of steel to net seven of her nine goal attempts in the final quarter, including the game-winning goal with only seconds left.
It was a terrific response to the pressure being applied at the other end of the court by Noradjuha-quantong goalies Lucy Brand and Lucy King, who were on song all game.
Pimpinio goal keeper Erin Habel had the unenviable task of defending Brand in the fourth quarter but did enough to help her team create turnovers and regain the lead.
The Bombers must regain their focus but face a very winnable match against struggling Taylors Lake on Saturday.
The Lakers were outgunned against reigning premier Natimuk United in
round six, finishing on the wrong side of a 61-24 score.
Veteran Michelle Trigg was an effective conduit for the Ewes through midcourt and helped create turnovers, while Alysha Liston finished off her team’s good work with 26 goals.
Trigg and sister Cheryl Sudholz both celebrated their 300th games for the Ewes.
Both were unaware of their personal milestones before the game – Sudholz had no idea she was about to play her 300th game, while Trigg knew it would be Sudholz’s 300th but did not realise it was her own as well.
Both players were presented with flowers by Natimuk United in recognition of the achievement.
Several Lakers including Grace Dixon and Ella Slorach were rotated through defence, but the weight of entries into Natimuk United’s goal ring was telling.
The Ewes will now take on Kalkee, which had its own strong win against Jeparit-rainbow at the weekend.
The Kees exploded out of the gates, with 20 goals in the first quarter and 21 in the second.
With the match safely in hand by half-time, the Kees gave goal attack Jenna Bywaters a rest in the third quarter.
The Storm won the quarter 13 to six, but the return of Bywaters in the last quarter saw Kalkee romp to a 62-34 win.
Jeparit-rainbow’s Bridget Mckenzie did a creditable job playing on Bywaters at goal defence and was named the Storm’s best player.
Things will not get any easier for Jeparit-rainbow on Saturday, with a match against Harrow-balmoral looming.
The Roos were too strong for Swifts in round six, winning 67-44 behind a massive 58-goal performance from Amy Lewis.
The Baggies have slipped to eighth place on the ladder and will be looking for a reversal of form against ninth-placed Rupanyup on Saturday.
The Panthers could not contend with the firepower of Laharum at the weekend, losing 60-30.
Coach Kayla Woods kept Laharum’s Maddie Iredell quiet in the first half before Iredell responded after the main break and Panther Hayley Reading had a good battle with Zandria Malone at centre.
Laharum will now face hope-apsley, fresh off a bye.
The Saints should fancy their chances of an upset, having defeated Rupanyup by a similar score to Laharum only three weeks ago. Eden