Contenders draw
A thrilling conclusion was fitting for the A grade game between contenders Trafalgar and Nilma Darnum in Ellinbank and District Netball action on Saturday.
Both heading in undefeated, the physical encounter finished in a 33-all draw.
Named best on court for Nilma, key defender Stacey Lawry appeared to suffer a serious knee injury late in the game.
Nilma remains on top of the ladder whilst Trafalgar sits in third. Both teams will be keenly eying a rematch late in the regular season.
This was by far the closest A grade game of the round.
Ellinbank sits second on the ladder after a 59-34 win over Longwarry.
Enjoying strong starts in previous games, Ellinbank was unable to pull away from Longwarry as they put in a strong 11-12 first quarter. However, the Eagles gained control in the second and gradually pulled away.
In a must-win game for both clubs, Catani pushed Buln Buln out of the top five with a 47-33 win.
The Blues set up the win with a 13-4 opening quarter. Although Buln was able to reduce that margin by half-time, Catani’s defence led by goal keeper Rachel Ronaldson held strong to run out clear winners.
Catani is now fifth whilst Buln dropped to seventh.
Neerim-Neerim South was back at its home courts and enjoyed its first win of the season over Poowong, 56-35.
The young Cats side impressed throughout, opening a big 30-14 lead by half-time, with Lilli Taylor leading the way with 43 goals. Defender Willow Bass was best for Poowong.
Lang Lang was the big climbers – up to sixth – after a 64-12 win over Yarragon. The Tigers were simply too good across the court from the first whistle.
Next week will see Lang Lang v NeerimNeerim South, Ellinbank v Yarragon, Buln Buln v Longwarry, Poowong v Trafalgar and Nilma Darnum v Nyora. Catani has the bye.