Confidence-building win
Laharum reasserted its Horsham District netball premiership credentials with a confidence-building 15-goal win against fellow top-three side Harrow-balmoral on Saturday.
The Demons pushed out to a four-goal advantage at quarter time, but really took control in the second and third terms as bookends Caitlin Story and Rebecca Mcintytre stamped their authority on the game.
Story got the best of Roo goal keeper Stephanie Lamont to finish with 35 goals, while Mcintyre did her best to curb the influence of Harrow-balmoral goal shooter Amy Lewis.
Although Lewis, along with Janelle Knight, was one of her team’s best, the Demons were too strong and rolled to a 56-41 victory.
The result left the Roos two wins behind Laharum with two games to play, effectively sealing a top-two finish for the Demons.
Harrow-balmoral will now face Swifts at North Park, Stawell, while Laharum will play Rupanyup after its loss to Edenhope-apsley at the weekend.
The Panthers entered the game
second last on the ladder but served up a competitive performance against the Saints, losing 58-43 after a hard-fought four quarters.
Sadie Slorach and coach Kayla Woods played well for Rupanyup, but could not overcome strong games from Saints Ellie Thomas, 33 goals at goal attack, and Tyler Atkinson at centre.
Jeparit-rainbow now faces a door-die clash with Kalkee after overcoming Taylors Lake 54-30 to keep its season mathematically alive at the weekend.
The Storm trail the Kees by four points and about 20 percent but can draw level on points with a win this round.
The Storm reaped the rewards of strong play from Hannah Mcilree, who came on at goal shooter in the second half to score 16 goals.
Ebony Spokes was another standout, spending time on Laker goalies Jorrdan Weir and Danielle Johnson.
Grace Dixon was Taylors Lake’s best at goal defence.
Natimuk United did exactly what it needed to do in a clinical 72-34 win against Pimpinio.
Strong games from defender Casey Vanstan and shooter Shannon Couch led the way for the Ewes as they maintained their perch atop the ladder.
Pimpinio, which was well served by defender Erin Habel and wing attack Maggie Clough, will be on the road to face Noradjuha-quantong on Saturday, while the Ewes will be at home to Taylors Lake.
Edenhope-apsley has a round 17 bye.