The balance of the Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade netball competition was on display on Saturday as only a last-quarter surge separated second-placed Rupanyup from ninth-placed Pimpinio.

Although their win-loss records are the inverse of each other – 9-2 for Rupanyup and 2-9 for Pimpinio – neutral observers would have been hard pressed which side was favoured through the first three quarters.

The Panthers led by two goals at quarter time and one goal at the half, before Pimpinio tied the game at 25 apiece at the final change.

Blustery conditions at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve made for a low-scoring game, and Tiger defenders Holly Ross and Steph Runciman took advantage, intercepting many Rupanyup forward entries.

But while the Tigers took 65 shots to the Panthers’ 53, a lack of polish in attack brought the home side undone.

Rupanyup defenders Anna Sudholz and Victoria Taylor worked hard to deny Pimpinio goalies Ada Binney, Lana Ellis and Jayde Ellis deep position, forcing them into long shots.

The Tigers converted less than half of their goal attempts, and in the last quarter Rupanyup clicked into gear. 

Panther coach Jedda Heard fed goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen with a series of deft entry passes, and Bergen responded with nine of her game-high 25 goals in the final quarter.

The 36-31 win ensured Rupanyup remained in second place on the ladder, one win ahead of Noradjuha-Quantong and Kalkee after both teams lost on Saturday.

Hosting Edenhope-Apsley, the Bombers had an early 10-6 lead, but the Saints, led by Tahlia Sailor and Sarah Domaschenz, drew within a goal by half time and skipped away to a 34-28 win. Kalkee was no match for ladder-leader Laharum, going down 53-31 with 35 goals from Demon Caitlin Jones-Story.

Natimuk United scored its third victory of the year against Taylors Lake, scoring 18 goals in a dominant third quarter to win 55-31, with goalie Emma Uebergang putting on a 48-goal masterclass.

Kaniva-Leeor United gave its finals hopes a big boost, defeating its closest rival for fifth place, Swifts, 59-47 at Kaniva Recreation Reserve.

Cougar Zoe Hawker continued her stellar season in the midcourt and wing defence Alannah Furmston played one of her best games of the season, while for the Baggies Kristy Dodds did her best to feed goalie Rebbekkah Seeary all match.

Round 13 will see Laharum host Pimpinio at Cameron Oval, Swifts take on Kalkee at North Park, Taylors Lake travel to Edenhope to play the Saints, Harrow-Balmoral at home to Noradjuha-Quantong after emerging from a bye, and Kaniva-Leeor United at Natimuk.

– Colin MacGillivray

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