SOUTH Mildura kept their finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 54-50 victory against a much-improved Robinvale Euston at John James Oval.
The Bulldogs, who fell from third to sixth last round, needed to win to keep pace in an enthralling four-way battle with Ouyen United, Irymple and Merbein for the last two finals spots.
The Sally Moore-coached visitors held a narrow lead for much of Saturday’s contest against the spirited young Eagles.
Georgia Giofrelle, who has taken her game to a new level this season, combined well with the versatile Taneh Romeo in attack to keep the Eagles in the hunt.
However, the Bulldogs kept their composure to seal an important win.
“Our defence and attack did really well, but it was just a battle getting the ball through the midcourt,” Moore said.
“Kudos to them, but we managed to keep possession well in the final quarter and settled things down.
“Fingers crossed we make the finals. We feel like we’re playing some good netball now after some changes in our team. We really want show what we can do against the best.”
Hayley Siddons’ side, who have the final-round bye, finish the season in eighth place with just two wins.
However, they have been competitive against finals-bound teams in recent weeks.
Siddons said she was proud of her team after a tough year of rotating 35 players through A and B grades.
“To stick at it and be competitive against nearly every side was amazing,” she said.
“The girls now have a greater belief that they can compete well against the top sides and we have plenty to look forward to in the future.”
