By David Nagel
Phillip Island and Tooradin-Dalmore took their supporters on a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions on Saturday before the visiting Seagulls secured a 59-50 victory to keep their top-two hopes alive.
The Gulls began like a house on fire, winning the opening quarter 18-10, with Stacey Sawyer (C), Abbey Howes (WA) and Zoe Coventry (WD) running rings around their opponents through the midcourt.
Chloe Phillips (GS) and Alex Maher (GA) were synchronizing wonderfully well in the goal-circle, and all signs pointed to an easy day at the office for the visitors.
But the Bulldogs had a trick up their sleeves themselves, surprising the Gulls with an 18-9 response to take a one goal lead to half time.
Lily Mewett (GS) had an amazing second quarter for the Bulldogs, scoring 14 of their 18 goals to set up a mouthwatering second half of netball.
But things then reverted to quarter one, with the Gulls scoring 16-9 to take a strong hold on the match, before finishing off with a 16-13 final term.
The Seagulls, currently fifth, host eighth-placed Korumburra-Bena this week in a massive game for both clubs, while Phillip Island heads to Bunyip.
Bunyip almost pulled off a huge surprise, leading Kooweerup at half time before the Demons ground their way to a 45-39 victory.
Brooke Cleeland (GS) was on fire for Bunyip early, netting 11 first-quarter goals as the Bulldogs led 14-12 at the first break.
Kooweerup tried to respond in the second term, but still trailed 21-20 at half time.
The Demons gradually got on top in the second half, with Kate Sidebottom (GA) and Ash Murphy (GS) proving a difficult question for the Bulldogs to find an answer to.
Kooweerup, seventh, heads to Garfield this week and could well find itself in sixth place by 4pm on Saturday.
The three-game losing streak of Cora Lynn has come to an end after the Cobras won 50-31 against bottom-placed Warragul Industrials.
The Cobras struggled to break free in the first half, leading 22-17, before scoring 28 to 14 after the break.
Annabel Sheppard (GK) and Paige Brooks-MacMillan (GD) tightened things up at the defensive end in the second half, while Danielle Cameron (WD) and Phoebe Nolan (WA) provided great drive through the midcourt.
The Cobras face a huge challenge this week, hosting third-placed Dalyston at the Cobradome.
The Magpies started brilliantly against Kilcunda-Bass at Dalyston on Saturday, leading 15-7 at quarter time on their way to a 46-39 triumph.
Jarney Thomas (GA) was the shining light early, scoring 11 first-quarter goals, while Gemma Thomas (GK) and Olivia Bramley (GD) controlled the defensive end of the court with real style.
The Panthers were 12 goals behind at the final break, but showed character to cut the margin to seven with a fighting 14-9 last quarter.
Jemma Osborne (GA) played a key part in that revival.
Nar Nar Goon has set up a classic top-two clash with Inverloch-Kongwak this week after the Goon won all four quarters against Garfield on Saturday.
The Goon wasn’t explosive, but gradually built its lead by four, three, four and five to take a 57-41 victory in the end.
Darcy Utber (GS) started well for the winners, while Karly Meinecke (WD), Taylah Boatwood (GK) and Steph Lee (GS) will take some good form into this week’s clash against the undefeated Sea Eagles.
Inverloch-Kongwak made it a perfect 10 wins from 10 starts this year with a 55-46 win over a brave Korumburra-Bena.
The Sea Eagles led by four after the first quarter, which only improved to five at half time as Giants such as Felicity Fox (C) and Elisha Nicholas (GA) really dug in for the fight.
The extreme class of Renee Pilkington (GD), Kelly Boyd (GS) and Lanni Pryor (C) then stood out in the third quarter as the Sea Eagles opened up a match-winning lead.
The Sea Eagles are already guaranteed pole position for this year’s finals series, being two-and-a-half games ahead after 10 rounds.
Skipper Pilkington and her charges are aiming for an incredible three premierships on the trot.
