Holding a five-goal lead at three-quarter time, the girls in green looked to have built a wide enough gap to hold the Magpies at bay, but a swoop of four consecutive goals put the visitors within two late in the contest.
With the score at 43-41, Merbein had a late chance to bring the margin back to a solitary goal, but a missed shot was rebounded straight to the other end of the court where Ebony Littore scored.
While the Magpies fought hard to the final hooter, ultimately they couldn’t close the gap. They could finish on equal points with fourth-placed Irymple if they defeat them next week, but the percentage gap is unlikely to be closed in a single contest.
Imps remain equal on points with second placed Ouyen United but face the undefeated Wentworth next week while the Kangas come up against winless Red Cliffs.
Imperials had control of the contest in the early going before Merbein brought the margin back to three at the half-time break.
While Breigh Hammett and Johannah Gray had some important clearances from defence for the Magpies, Imps attackers Littore and Amy Dodds were able to drop back at times and be passed to unopposed with Alle Littore and Maddie Alvino able to lob passes over the defenders.
Merbein tried to push the momentum their way by rifling passes forward and while this worked on multiple occasions, it also resulted in a few turnovers.
While there wasn’t a crowd, no doubt the club officials, and those waiting to come on to the ncourt next, would have been impressed with the overall contest.
In other matches, Wentworth equalled their highest score of the season during an 81-36 win over South Mildura, Ouyen United recorded a 65-38 victory against Irymple and Mildura claimed a 73-46 romp over Red Cliffs.
Robinvale Euston had the bye.
IMPERIALS 46
MERBEIN 43
BEST:
Imperials: A. Littore, K. Scott.
Merbein: S. Koschitzke, B. Hammett.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNT
DYNAMIC DEFENCE: The number of turnovers created by both sides was off the charts and certainly added to intensity of the game. Every time Imperials would thwart an attack through Kia Scott or Meg McManus, Merbein would respond in kind from Breigh Hammett and Johannah Gray.
UNDER-RATED: While some of their other teammates may get more of the plaudits, Bridget Bennett and Eden Heinrich both had some important touches at various times during the game. These helped Alle Littore fire up attacking forays for Imperials.
REAL LEADER: The lack of a crowd certainly emphasised the vocals of Merbein’s goal shooter Rebecca Harvey. The experienced attacker helps provide clear direction and encouragement for her teammates, an intangible that cannot be underestimated.IMPERIALS kept their SFNL A Grade netball top-two hopes alive by holding on against a late surging Merbein side at Brian Weightman Oval.
