WERRIMULL gave ladder leaders Bambill an almighty fright in MFNL A Grade netball action at the Lake on Saturday.
A 14 goals to 10 third quarter saw the Magpies take a three-goal lead into the final stanza and put them on the brink of a huge upset, but the undefeated Saints turned up their defensive intensity and emerged with a keenly-fought 44-41 victory.
Unfortunately for the Pies, the loss provided a double whammy as it dropped them from second to third on the very fluid table and only a game ahead of Nangiloc, who they face in the final regular season round in two weeks’ time.
Coach and prime defender Jolene Neyland led the way for Werrimull along with centre Erin Sell and winger Brooke Watson, but best on court went to Bambill’s shooter Maddy Tormey while keeper Erin Hird and centre Kaylie Monaghan also had strong games.
Cardross were the primary beneficiaries of Magpies’ loss as they vaulted into second after taking care of business at Gol Gol.
The Lions were pushed early by the bottom-of-the-table Hawks but gradually asserted their authority and won by a comfortable 12 goals, 50-38.
Versatile attacker Skye Saunders was Cardy’s top performer, goal shooter Tamara Hamence continued her fine season and defender Tanisha Delcastegne also made the best list.
The Hawks battle it out each week but still only have one win to show for their efforts. Defender Jarae Johnson, versatile keeper/shooter Emily Phillips and centre Maka Clarke toiled hard – again.
Meanwhile, Nangiloc firmed their place in the top four with a crushing victory over fifth-placed Meringur.
The Demons returned to their winning ways after a five-goal loss to Bambill the previous week with a 24-goal romp at home.
Nangi burst out of the gates early and, led by a miserly defence which only conceded 11 goals in the first half, were never challenged in the 57-33 triumph.
Regular names Amber King, midcourter Sienna Charles and coach Ginine Sluiter featured for the Dees while winger Zannah Harmer, keeper Madelyn McPhee and utility Christina Villiva played well for a Roos mob which is struggling to stay in the finals hunt and faces Bambill and Werrimull in its last two regular season games.
