Horsham Saints set tongues wagging during the first round of the Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade competition after achieving a feat rarely seen in netball – scoring 100 goals in a game.

The Saints were behind triple-digit pace for most of the afternoon in their game against Nhill on Saturday, sitting on 24 goals at quarter time, 45 at half time and 72 at three-quarter time.

But a massive 29-goal effort in the final term saw the home side eclipse the 100-point barrier, winning 101 to 38.

So spoiled for riches in attack were the Saints that three players scored more than 30 goals – Lena Marshman, 39, Jorja Clode, 31, and Abby Hallam, 31.

The final quarter was played at a frenetic pace as the Saints’ home crowd urged them on to notch the triple-digit milestone.

On a torrid day for the Tigers, defender Shae-Lea Fischer and goalie Ruby James, 21 goals, left it all on the court.

The result showed the Saints, last season’s runners-up, remain a premiership threat, while Horsham Demons are also in the running to collect back-to-back flags after beating Ararat 56-48 at Alexandra Oval.

The Demons led wire to wire in the win, with Harrow-Balmoral recruit Jorja Jones starring and Ebonie Salter providing her customary strong defensive presence.

Ararat captain Jess Taylor never stopped trying for her team, with Paige Biddle another standout.

Dimboola’s quest to improve on last year’s preliminary final appearance started strongly, with the Roos cantering past Minyip-Murtoa to win 59-28.

With Bridget Dorrington holding down the defensive circle and goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou on song with 33 conversions, the Roos rarely looked troubled.

While the going was often tough for the Burras, Lucy Brand gave the home crowd something to cheer about with 15 goals and Johanna Griffiths battled strongly in the midcourt.

The Southern Mallee Thunder missed out on a finals appearance last season after finishing one spot behind the Stawell Warriors, but got the better of the team on Saturday.

With goalie Steph Thomson shooting 35 goals and Emma Mill working hard to present across the forward third, centre Rylee Cocks was never short of options.

Stawell’s Meg Walker did her best to contain Thomson and Mill, with Alannah Deutsher working hard at wing and goal attack.

Round two will see a blockbuster grand final rematch on Anzac Day, with the Horsham Demons and Horsham Saints opening the round at Horsham City Oval.

The following day will see matches between Warrack Eagles and the Southern Malle Thunder at Warracknabeal, Stawell and Minyip-Murtoa at Central Park, and Dimboola and Ararat at Dimboola.

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