A pair of mammoth scores headlined round 10 of the Wimmera league’s A Grade netball competition, with Dimboola scoring 90 goals and Horsham Saints 89.

The Roos, playing at home, took on winless Minyip-Murtoa and immediately set about running up the scores.

Dimboola netted 28 goals in the first quarter, putting it on track to crack a triple-digit total.

But the visiting Burras showed improvement in the second term, holding the Roos to 18 goals for the quarter while putting up nine of their own.

Players like goal-keeper Lauren Dodgshun and Ruby Wilson contributed to the Burras’ improved defensive showing in the second quarter, but the home side redoubled its attack after the long break.

Maddison Marra was moved from goal -attack to the bench in the third quarter, paving the way for reserve Olivia Beugelaar to score 28 goals in the second half.

Beugelaar’s efforts, along with those of Marra and Nicole Polycarpou – who each scored 31 goals – showed the variety of attacking options at Dimboola’s disposal, but it was defender Stephanie Glover and captain Rianna Kuhne in the midcourt who stood out most in the 90-35 win.

Jessica Newell was the top-scorer for the visitors, hitting 22 shots.

There was a similar scoring outburst for the Saints, who defeated Nhill 89-42 at Davis Park.

The Tigers were able to score 14 goals to the visitors’ 23 in the opening term, but Maddison Bethune and Erin Martin clamped down on Nhill goalers Ruby James and Charlotte Foulds in the second quarter, allowing only six goals.

The rout continued in the second half, with Lena Marshman coming off the Saints’ bench to score 32 goals in an impressive showing.

Nhill defenders Ash Hobbs and Emma Schilling were named their team’s top performers on a difficult day.

Horsham’s 48-41 win over Ararat was the only A Grade match decided by a single-digit margin in round 10.

Although the Demons led at every change they were unable to completely shake the Rats, who, through the defensive efforts of Paige and Faith Biddle, gave themselves an outside chance.

But Horsham ultimately proved too strong, with Jorja Jones shining at win-defence and goal-keeper Sienna Manserra holding Ararat shooter Laney McLoughlan to 16 goals from 30 attempts.

The Southern Mallee Thunder’s clash with Stawell at Central Park was a lopsided affair after quarter time, with the Thunder turning a one-goal deficit into a 65-38 win.

Southern Mallee coach Steph Thomson exploded for a season-high 48 goals, while at the other end of the court defender Abby White made life difficult for Thomson’s counterpart in Warriors coach Jemma Clarkson.

This weekend will see Ararat host Dimboola in a battle of top-five teams, while the Thunder and Warrack Eagles will meet at Beulah and Minyip-Murtoa hosts Stawell at Murtoa.

All eyes will be on Horsham Saints and Horsham in a Sunday fixture at Coughlin Park, with the Saints seeking to emulate their 20-goal win over the Demons early in the season and stamp themselves as firm premiership favourites.

– Colin MacGillivray

The entire July 2, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!