By Will Spence
The Bendigo Bank Netball competition was full of surprises this weekend, with some great matchups across all eight sections with another draw and one of the biggest upsets of section four this season.
Section 1
East Ringwood Black 54 def by Croydon 55
In a real test to see whether East Ringwood Black was the real deal, we have definitely seen they’re a premiership contender. Last week’s draw to top of the table East Burwood Black was no fluke and a one-point loss to second place Croydon is indicating big things from East Ringwood Black. East Ringwood Black still need to keep winning to cement a finals place but having played the top two sides, the fixture is in their favour. The game was a fast high scoring affair with Croydon leading at each break. With a three-goal lead heading into the final quarter, the buffer proved too much for East Ringwood Black to conjure a miracle. Genevieve Abbott scored a remarkable 43 of Croydon’s 55 goals, adding to her tally of 516 goals for the season. Both sides had their moments and shapes as finals preview to watch.
Lilydale def by East Burwood Black 62
East Burwood Rams 47 def by Heathmont 50
Ferntree Gully 35 def by Knox 49
Section 2
Vermont 30 def Warrandyte 16
Vermont keep things rolling in style knocking off bottom of the ladder Warrandyte Swans White in convincing fashion. Vermont are hot on top spot Coldstream’s heels sitting one game behind the Cougars. Ella Tweedale again was dominant for the Eagles scoring 23 goals and has reached 250 goals for the season in a wonderful campaign.
Croydon North MLOC 39 def Oakleigh Districts 25
Coldstream 40 def Scoresby 24
The Basin def Kilsyth
Section 3
East Ringwood 25 def by Vermont 29
In what shaped as the match-up of the section, the hype definitely lived up to the expectation. Both sides came in with the same record, but it was Vermont who dealt with the pressure in the final quarter the best, gifting them a one game buffer on East Ringwood Blue. Heading into the final quarter, the Eagles led by one goal, before they outscored East Ringwood Blue seven to four. Both Georgia Fuller and Nikki Anderson scored 17 goals each from their respective teams.
Lilydale 35 def East Burwood 9
Whitehorse 23 def by Montrose 45
Mulgrave 33 def The Basin 24
Glen Waverley 24 def by Kilsyth 30
Section 4
Mulgrave 34 def Park Orchards 32
In one of the major upsets on the weekend and season in, the lowly ranked Mulgrave came out as victors against second place Park Orchards. This win gifted Mulgrave their second win for the season and Park Orchards third loss of the season. Park Orchards had a three-goal lead at quarter time, and for the remaining changes before the last quarter, but Mulgrave fought back to even the scoreboard. In the final quarter, before holding their nerve in front of goal and in defence to cling on to a two-goal victory. Rachael Macaulay was incredible with 27 goals for Mulgrave.
Heathmont 20 def by Nunawading 32
Silvan 30 def by Ferntree Gully 31
East Burwood 26 def by Montrose 28
Glen Waverley 36 def Boronia 30
Section 5
Balwyn 28 def Vermont 26
A great match-up between two powerhouse teams in section five, but it was Balwyn, who came in as the underdogs, coming out on top in nail-biting fashion. Balwyn led from start to finish, having a five-goal lead at three quarter time, but like a top of the ladder side does, Vermont fought back and almost snatched the win. Nadia Berry was awesome in front of goals with 18 goals to her name for Balwyn.
Coldstream Black 25 def by Upper Ferntree Gully Blue 41
Upper Ferntree Gully Red 39 def Knox 19
Coldstream Red 35 def Scoresby 19
Ringwood 30 def by Chirnside Park 36
Section 6
Montrose 23 drew with Glen Waverley 23
In one the major surprises of the competition, Glen Waverley were coming into the game against Montrose Devils as the major favourite having only lost one game all season. In a close contest, fittingly the result ended in a draw, splitting the points between the two. The match had no finals implications for Glen Waverley but has given Montrose plenty of belief to make things interesting. From Glen Waverley, Alyssa Newey was vital in front of goal with 19 goals, and Samantha Prosenak contributed 15 of her own.
Kilsyth 14 def by Boronia 37
Heathmont 27 def South Croydon 25
East Ringwood 18 def by Ringwood 23
Coldstream 36 def Mitcham 17
Section 7
South Belgrave 8 def by Montrose Thunder 33
An important win on the weekend for Montrose, solidifying their position on the ladder sitting outright fourth and enhancing their chances for finals. Montrose led every change and were too strong for the Saints in a dominant display of netball. Stephanie Brown was influential in front of goal scoring 21 goals.
Coldstream 36 def Waverley Blues 20
Montrose Storm 17 def by Heathmont 38
Kilsyth 31 def Nunawading 11
Section 8
East Burwood 23 def by Mulgrave 29
A tight tussle between two finals hopefuls, Mulgrave came out on top having a handy four goal lead heading into the final quarter which proved too much for a gallant East Burwood. Mulgrave remain in second place, while East Burwood are locked in a tight race for finals, although win on the weekend would’ve put them outright third on the ladder. Mulgrave duo, Alexandra Bonney and Kayla Mclean contributed 15 and 14 goals respectively.
Waverley Blues def by Ferntree Gully
The Basin 32 def Montrose 18
Scoresby – Bye