Latia Doherty was key in defence for Merrigum in its win over Stanhope in round 14. Photos: Jordan Townrow
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JORDAN TOWNROW
With four rounds remaining in Kyabram District League netball the top four is essentially locked in, but the final two spots are still up for grabs.
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While Tallygaroopna and Avenel currently occupy the final two positions, Merrigum, Stanhope and Lancaster could still make a push at the pointy end of the season.
Merrigum v Stanhope
In what could be a defining game of the season for both sides, the Bulldogs took the chocolates against contemporary Stanhope in round 14, with both sides still desperate for a chance to appear in the finals.
Merrigum’s Shanae Doherty tries to spoil a pass in Shanae Fisher’s hands.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
In a close match, Merrigum’s consistency won out across the first three quarters, with the Lions managing to outscore it down the stretch.
However, that late fight-back wasn’t enough to bridge the gap established by the Bulldogs, taking a vital victory by nine goals, 46-37.
Merrigum A-grade coach Blynda Tranter reflected on the match and emphasised her team’s impressive consistency across the entire match as the reason for victory.
Madeline Hall directs traffic.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“The girls played so well, I was really impressed with how they all played, at times we’ve had girls have good individual performances, but I think all seven players really brought it together,” she said.
“We’ve been building to this all year and our whole team is playing some beautiful netball and we have that consistency across a full quarter and across the entire game.
“While everyone played well, I wanted to give a special mention to Shanae and Latia Doherty, they’re sisters and both play in our defence end.
“Both of them were amazing for four quarters, they really held the Stanhope attack to account and Shanae got best-on for us.”
Tia Harrison looks to send it up the court.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Tranter also looked ahead to what is one of the most challenging remaining schedules in the competition, with Merrigum set to play Girgarre, Lancaster and Shepparton East in the final three rounds.
“We have a shocker of a run into the finals, but we go into every week thinking we have a chance, next week against Girgarre will be no different,” she said.
“I’m hoping we can match their strength and consistency, with the way we are playing, we can push them and come out on top, but we’ll definitely be underdogs.
“But, I think we’ll go into that game with a fighting chance for sure.”
Rushworth v Nagambie
The Tigers slipped two places on the league table, losing a crucial battle of contenders to the Lakers.
Rushworth was sitting in second with a percentage advantage over the Lakers, but was overthrown on both counts as they picked up the win 47-36 at Ironbark Stadium.
Stanhope’s Felicity Hall receives the pass under pressure from Merrigum’s Madeline Hall.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Tigers (10-3) were relegated to fourth after Girgarre picked up a big win, getting the best of them on percentage.
Secure in their top-four status with a three-game gap to fifth, Rushworth will next take on sixth-ranked Avenel, travelling to Avenel Recreation Reserve for the meeting.
Girgarre v Lancaster
In a clash between two sides at opposite ends of the table, favourite Girgarre was dominant over struggler Lancaster in round 14 at Girgarre Recreation Reserve.
The Wombats weren’t often in the contest and the Roos cruised to victory 55-17.
Shanae Doherty was named best-on-court for Merrigum.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Girgarre advanced to third position after Rushworth was defeated by Nagambie, the Kangaroos holding a near 63 per cent edge over the Tigers to break the tie at 40 competition points.
That strong percentage could help the Roos (10-3) claim second if they can make up the one-game difference to Nagambie (11-2).
Girgarre takes to the court on a Sunday, travelling to Merrigum (5-8).
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