One more chance for Roos
Dimboola A Grade netballers have one more chance to shake-up the top five ahead of the final Wimmera Football Netball League home-and-away round.
Sitting in sixth position, the Roos will have to defeat Warrack Eagles to jump to fourth position, meaning Ararat will miss out on finals by less than one percent.
In round nine, the Eagles defeated Dimboola by 23 goals, however half a season on and both teams have continued to improve – it could be anyone’s game.
Dimboola defenders Holly Ross and Olivia Jorgensen will have to be in top form against Eagles’ goalies Molly Stewart and Nicola Clyne.
In round 17, Minyip-murtoa secured a finals berth with a five-goal win against Stawell. It was a close contest from the start, with only a two-goal margin at half time.
The Warriors turned it around in the third quarter to have a small lead at three-quarter time, but could not maintain the momentum, with the Burras taking the win.
Lucy Brand shot 27 goals for the Burras and Faith Mckenzie was crucial in defence for Minyip-murtoa.
Tessa O’callaghan and Madi Taylor worked hard for the Warriors, however, the loss has taken Stawell out of finals contention for 2022. Horsham has continued in its undefeated form to win against Ararat, and will head straight to the second semi-final, regardless of round 18 results.
The Demons secured an early lead and were 18 goals in front by half time.
The Rats came out firing in the third quarter to reduce the margin by half, but the speed of Horsham in the final quarter had the final margin at 13 goals.
In the midcourt, Georgia Hiscock was key for Horsham, while the versatile Grace Manserra worked hard in wing defence and the goal ring.
Racquel Scott and Tayla Borrelli were best players for Ararat.
Horsham Saints defeated Warrack Eagles by 20 goals, playing a consistent four quarters to take the win.
The Saints have not faltered despite a changing team list due to recent injuries and have continued to show their strength.
Larnie Hobbs was instrumental in defence for the Saints, while Ashlee Grace was strong through the midcourt.
Eilish Flagg played well in defence for the Eagles and Emma Koschitzke was up to the challenge in the midcourt.
Horsham Saints and Southern Mallee Giants will come up against each other two weeks in a row – first in round 18 and then in the qualifying final the following week.
Horsham Saints defeated the Giants by 10 goals when they last met, however at the end of the season anything is possible.
Horsham will face Stawell in the final home-and-away round, and as 2022 minor premiers, will finish the season undefeated. This week: Dimboola v Warrack Eagles, Horsham v Stawell, Horsham Saints v Southern Mallee Giants. Minyipmurtoa v Nhill, no game. Ararat, bye. Last week: Horsham 58 d Ararat 45, Horsham Saints 48 d Warrack Eagles 28, Minyip-murtoa 49 d Stawell 44. Ladder: Horsham 50 points, 159.45 percent; Horsham Saints 36, 102.89; Southern Mallee Giants 30, 106.68; Minyip-murtoa 24, 95.58; Ararat 24, 94.78; Dimboola 22, 88.95; Stawell 18, 90.46; Warrack Eagles 8, 77.91.