Horsham Saints’ netballers exacted some grand final revenge on the Horsham Demons with a 20-goal win in an Anzac Day showdown under lights at Horsham City Oval.

The Saints and Demons have contested each of the past two Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade grand finals, with the Saints winning in 2023 and the Demons capturing last year’s flag.

While many of the teams’ recent meetings have yielded close results, the Saints appear to have an early leg up in the race for this year’s title.

They now sit atop the ladder with two wins from two games and a percentage above 200 after their 60-40 thumping of the Demons on Friday.

Wet conditions made the Horsham City Oval court slick underfoot as the match got underway at 5pm, but the Saints appeared unbothered as they reeled off 15 goals to seven in the opening term.

Captain Ash Grace played with her customary level of assurance at centre, providing plenty of opportunities for Saint goal shooter Jorja Clode.

Despite a laudable effort by Demon defender Ebonie Salter, the weight of the Saints’ forward entries proved telling, with Clode shooting a game-high 50 goals.

Saint goal defence Holly Phillips fought an entertaining battle with Horsham’s Georgia Batson, while Demon Keely Pope was prominent, but it was Grace who was awarded the Anzac Medal for her efforts.

Saturday saw Stawell shake off its Good Friday loss to Ararat and open its account for the season with a win against Minyip-Murtoa at Central Park.

The Warriors were unable to shake the persistent Burras in the first half, leading by only two goals at the first and second changes, but outscored their opponents 13-8 in the third term to set up the 48-41 win.

Sophie Dyer came off the interchange bench to play a crucial defensive role on Burra goalie Lucy Brand, while fellow Warrior Holly Graveson netted 25 goals.

Stacey Arnold was Minyip-Murtoa’s top performer, playing all game at wing defence in an effective midcourt tandem with Johanna Griffiths.

The visiting Southern Mallee Thunder overpowered the Warrack Eagles at Anzac Park, winning 35-23 after a low-scoring first half.

The Eagles were only able to muster five goals in the first quarter and two in the second as Thunder goal keeper Sydney Thorogood held sway.

At the other end Steph Thomson, 19 goals, did enough to get her side across the line despite Eagle defender Jess Kelly fighting a valiant battle to blunt the influence of Emma Mill.

Dimboola overcame a slow start to defeat Ararat 60-44, outscoring the visitors 30-14 after the long break.

Bridget Dorrington was a brick wall in defence for the Roos, while Paige Glover controlled play in the midcourt.

This weekend will see only three matches played, with a Southern Mallee Thunder bye and Ararat and Stawell resting after their Good Friday match.

Minyip-Murtoa will host Warrack Eagles and Murtoa, Nhill is at home to Horsham and Dimboola will travel to Coughlin Park to meet the Horsham Saints.

– Colin MacGillivray

The entire April 30, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April 30, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!