Edenhope-Apsley’s strong start to the Horsham District A Grade netball season continued on Saturday as the Saints downed Swifts 48-41 for their fourth win in five games.

After losing the majority of last season’s undefeated premiership side, many onlookers expected the Saints to struggle in 2024.

But while the team is less dominant, it has steadily racked up wins to keep itself in the thick of the finals hunt.

Co-coach Sarah Domaschenz said her players’ experience and composure were telling against the Baggies.

“We had a fantastic start to the game and built a strong lead, which helped us secure the win,” she said.

“Jasmine McIntyre has been a standout player for us this season. She’s a young development player, still playing 17-and-unders, but her commitment to the game, willingness to listen, learn and apply feedback has been excellent.

“As a natural defender she is playing a strong attacking game and is quick to transition from attack to defence and apply pressure.”

Domaschenz said she was thrilled with the way her team had come together despite upheaval.

“We’re a new-look team with a line-up that has changed each week,” she said.

“We have a versatile team, which helps to fill key positions. We work closely as a squad with B Grade, who step up and fill positions each week.”

Domaschenz said the team’s biggest test would be this weekend against ladder leader Laharum.

“It will be an extremely tough game for us,” she said.

“We have a depleted line-up with a couple of players away, so we’ll need to play our game and stay composed.”

Elsewhere, Rupanyup defeated Noradjuha-Quantong 51-41 at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve to move into second place on the ladder.

The Panthers came into the season with high expectations, and with the exception of a one-goal loss to Kalkee in round three, have hardly faltered.

They controlled their match against the Bombers from the opening quarter, leading by four goals at the first change and 10 by half time.

With Noradjuha-Quantong goal shooter Shannon Couch netting 31 goals, Rupanyup coach Jedda Heard worked hard at goal defence to limit the influence of opponents Taylor Shelley and Jayne Tucker.

Panther Meg Cashin battled Holly Nuske in a match-up between two top-class centres, while Zanaiya Bergen sank 39 goal attempts in attack for Rupanyup.

Rupanyup now trails only Laharum, which continued its dominance with a 72-29 win against Harrow-Balmoral, spearheaded by a blistering 51 goals from Caitlin Jones-Story in attack.

Kaniva-Leeor United matched Kalkee for a quarter, but was unable to go the distance in a 55-32 loss on the road.

Lotus and Jarrah Martin combined well in attack for the Kees, while for the Cougars, youngster Ruby Gordon shone in her first senior game in goals with 18.

Pimpinio overcame a spirited Taylors Lake 46-36 after the Lakers trailed by only two goals at half time.

The cool heads of Tahnee Brown and Holly Ross in defence kept the Tigers on track despite a strong game from Laker goalie Tayla Eltze, who finished with 26 scores.

This weekend, Natimuk United will return from a bye to face Swifts at Natimuk Showground, Taylors Lake will host Kalkee, Harrow-Balmoral will be tested by visiting Rupanyup and Pimpinio will travel to take on Noradjuha-Quantong. 

Kaniva-Leeor United has a bye.

– Colin MacGillivray

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