The Horsham District league’s A Grade netball competition offered no surprises in round 11, as all four of the top-five teams in action posted double-digit wins.

Ladder leader Rupanyup put a big dent in Swifts’ finals aspirations at North Park, downing the Baggies 64-24 in a smothering performance.

The Baggies could muster only four goals in each of the first and second quarters as Rupanyup’s defensive end, led by Holly Ross and Victoria Taylor, dominated proceedings.

Swifts’ best quarter of the game came after half time, when they scored 10 goals to the visitors’ 13, with co-coach Kristy Dodds pushing from the midcourt to goal-attack to help feed goal -shooter Michaela Carey, while Erin Freeland was stout in defence.

But the Panthers resumed their dominance in the final term, outscoring Swifts 18-6 as Ilze Van Zyl and Maddison Morgan took turns featuring in goals.

Colene Dercksen debuted for Rupanyup in defence after starting on the bench, in a move with potential to add greater depth for the ladder leaders.

The loss dropped Swifts’ percentage to 92 – nearly 30 points behind fifth-placed Noradjuha-Quantong, which separated itself from the Baggies with a 49-29 win against Kaniva-Leeor United on Saturday.

The visiting Bombers were locked in a low-scoring struggle with the Cougars in the first quarter, but came alive with 14 goals to eight in the second term and never relinquished control of the game from then on.

Leading the way for Noradjuha-Quantong was co-coach Taylor Shelley in defence, helping to keep the Cougars to single-digit scoring in all four quarters.

Captain Jayne Tucker was a standout in the midcourt, while Taya Quick and Shannon Couch each scored more than 20 goals.

For the Cougars, Ellen Bennett played well to limit Quick, who scored 47 goals in her previous outing, while Lauren Brown battled well with Bomber Holly Nuske at centre.

Third-placed Kalkee continued the trend of dominant wins, beating Taylors Lake 54-38 after trailing by two goals at quarter time.

Goal-defence Emily Polack was critical in turning around the Kees’ fortunes after a slow start, doing her best to curb the influence of Laker Harriet Overman, who finished with 23 goals.

Casey Rentsch also had one of her best outings for Kalkee this season, adding an extra dimension to the team’s goal setup alongside Jarrah Martin with 23 goals of her own.

Edenhope-Apsley bounced back from its round 10 loss to the Kees by defeating Harrow-Balmoral 53-36 at Balmoral.

The Roos played strongly for patches of the second and third quarters but were outgunned overall, as Saints coach Lavinia Fox dominated with 37 goals and Mereana Crawford added 16.

Best for the Roos were Megan Little and Mia Rees, who scored 24 goals of her own.

Natimuk United kept Pimpinio’s winless streak going, downing the Tigers 59-40.

The Rams extended their lead at every break, with young goalie Emma Uebergang shooting a season-high 44 goals and Keeta Scown holding sway in defence.

Tahnee Brown was Pimpinio’s top player, switching from wing defence to the defensive goal circle in the second half.

This weekend reigning premier Laharum will return from a bye to host Harrow-Balmoral, while Noradjuha-Quantong will travel to Rupanyup in what shapes as the match of the round between two top-five teams.

Other games will see Edenhope-Apsley host Swifts, Kaniva-Leeor United visit Natimuk Showgrounds and Taylors Lake welcome Pimpinio.

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