By Wil Spence
Some major scares occurred across the Bendigo Bank Netball competition, having large implications on finals. One team is still undefeated at the top, and there is plenty of teams vying for finals spots in each section.
Section 1
Knox Falcons 47 def Heathmont Jets 46
There was a two-game buffer between these two sides coming into round 12, with Heathmont Jets having a great opportunity to bridge the gap on the ladder. In a contest that could only be split by one single goal, it was Knox Falcons who came out victorious. Knox had a one-goal lead heading into the final change and was ultimately enough to get them over the line. Jacqueline Harfield scored 31 goals for Knox Falcons, while Rory Barr score 24 of her own for Heathmont Jets.
Elsewhere East Burwood Black have kept their undefeated season afloat after a dominant display against their counterpart East Burwood Rams.
East Burwood Rams 53 def by East Burwood Black 80
East Ringwood Black 60 def Lilydale Falcons 46
Ferntree Gully Eagles Blue 33 def by Croydon 62
Section 2
The Basin Kodiaks 38 def Oakleigh Districts 32
Oakleigh Districts almost caused a major upset against The Basin Kodiaks. Scores were level at three quarter time, but it was The Basin who made less errors in the final quarter ultimately getting them over the line in a tight tussle. For The Basin, Dayna Walsham scored a massive 29 goals, whilst Christie Brinkhuis scored 23 of her own for Oakleigh Districts.
Coldstream Grey 13 def Warrandyte Swans White 0
Croydon North MLOC 31 def Vermont Eagles Gold 20
Kilsyth Cougars 18 def by Scoresby Magpies Black 31
Section 3
Montrose Demons 21 def East Burwood Grey 19
In a bid to stay in finals contention, Montrose Flames were given a major scare by the winless East Burwood Grey outfit. With nothing to lose, East Burwood had their chances to win but unfortunately were not able to capitalise on the moment. Montrose held their nerve with a depleted side and have kept their finals hopes alive sitting sixth on the ladder. Georgia Burt contributed 10 goals for the Demons.
Vermont Eagles White 40 def Whitehorse Pioneers 21
Mulgrave Red 33 def Glen Waverley Hawks Blue 26
Lilydale Gold 38 def Kilsyth Cougars Black 19
East Ringwood Blue 16 def by The Basin Cubs 29
Section 4
Montrose Flames 32 def Silvan Cats 30
A danger game for Montrose Flames, sitting in a battle for finals with plenty of teams around the mark. A loss to Silvan Cats could put their season in jeopardy. In a close tussle, the experience of Montrose Flames was too much for a gallant Silvan Cats. Trailing by four goals heading into the final quarter, the Cats gave it everything, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to come from behind. Stephanie Verhoef scored 23 goals for Montrose Flames while Jen Peterson can hold her head high with 19 of her own.
Mulgrave Blue 24 def by Glen Waverley Hawks White 29
Heathmont White 19 def Boronia Gold 17
East Burwood Silver 21 def by Park Orchards Black 29
Ferntree Gully Eagles Yellow 35 def by Nunawading Lions Gold 40
Section 5
Chirnside Park 30 def Balwyn Tigers 23
An important game for both sides to keep things rolling, with Balwyn offered an opportunity to entrench themselves as a finals contender against a tough opponent in Chirnside Park. However, Chirnside Park led at each change and were the better side on the night with Taylah Ferguson scoring 20 goals. A lot to learn for Balwyn Tigers who may get another shot at Chirnside Park in finals if they’re to make the cut.
Coldstream Black 26 def Scoresby Magpies White 21
Knox Black 13 def by Vermont Eagles Purple 44
Upper Ferntree Gully Blue 40 def Upper Ferntree Gully Red 31
Coldstream Red 19 def by Ringwood White 29
Section 6
East Ringwood White 20 def by Montrose Devils 25
It is such an even competition in section 6.
It’s hard to split teams from ninth to fifth on the ladder, so a win for both teams was important, and it was Montrose Devils coming out on top with a scoring bonanza in the second quarter which ultimately became a bridge too far for East Ringwood White. Samantha Prosenak and Caitlin Conway were dangerous in front of the net respectively with 15 and 10 goals.
Mitcham Black 26 def by Boronia brown 47
South Croydon Blue 17 def by Coldstream White 28
Kilsyth Cougars Red 17 def by Glen Waverley Hawks Yellow 33
Heathmont Blue 18 def by Ringwood Black 27
Section 7
Montrose Storm 19 def by Coldstream Blue 22
Montrose Storm were coming in as the favourites for this match and they started off the first quarter in that fashion. However, Coldstream Blue from then on were dominant for the final three quarters in an impressive display of both attack and defence. Coldstream Blue have given themselves a buffer on fifth position on the ladder and are closing in on the top three.
Montrose Thunder 24 def Nunawading Lions Maroon 11
South Belgrave Saints 11 def by Heathmont Yellow 30
Kilsyth Cougars White 17 def by Waverley Blues Red 21
Section 8
Waverley Blues 25 def by Scoresby Magpies 33
It was a much-needed victory from Scoresby Magpies Grey on Friday, with the four points enough to surpass Waverley Blues White on the ladder and give them some much needed confidence for the latter part of the season. An important third quarter gave Scoresby a vital lead heading into the final quarter and was more then enough to get over the line with Jordyn Walker and Tegan Ryan scoring 16 and 13 goals respectively.
The Basin Grizzlies 40 def Ferntree Gully White 23
Mulgrave Yellow 25 def by Montrose Heat 35
East Burwood White Bye