BY NATHAN DOLE
A SHOWDOWN between last season’s preliminary finalists, Elmore and Colbinabbin highlights this Saturday’s second round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League.
A big day at Elmore Recreation Reserve includes the unfurling of the 2022 premiership flag before the Bloods take on the Grasshoppers.
Both teams started a new season in style.
The Bloods dominated play on Huntly’s court at Strauch Reserve.
Jointly-coached by Allira Holmes and Gabe Richards, Elmore poured in 74 goals on the way to a 40-goal victory.
A high level of defensive pressure in all thirds of the court and capitalising on scoring chances will be major goals for the Jen McIntyre-coached Colbinabbin against Elmore.
The Grasshoppers fought back strongly in the final term of their home game against Heathcote at M.J. Morgan Reserve to win 56-41.
Mount Pleasant and Huntly clash at Toolleen.
The Carine Comer-coached Mount Pleasant withstood a spirited challenge at North Bendigo to claim a 41-31 victory.
It’s another big test for the Kym Bell-coached Huntly.
The Saints from Heathcote have home-court advantage at Barrack Reserve to take on Leitchville-Gunbower.
A Heathcote line-up which has Brooke Bolton in mid-court and as joint coach with Kelsey Hayes should take the points in this contest.
The Gemma Angove-coached Leitchville-Gunbower will be determined to play well after being outgunned by a brilliant White Hills team in the opening round.
North Bendigo is back on its court at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street to take on Lockington Bamawm United.
The Bulldogs and Cats were to have played at Lockington, but upgrades to facilities have forced a change for this round.
The Shellie Davies-coached North Bendigo will be determined to chalk up a victory, while LBU takes to the court after a first-round bye.
Last year’s club best and fairest, Jessie Hardess starts a third season as coach of the Cats.
White Hills has the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL’s A-grade netball competition:
White Hills 419 per cent, 4 points; Elmore 217, 4; Colbinabbin 136, 4; Mount Pleasant 132, 4; North Bendigo 75, 0; Heathcote 73, 0; Huntly 45, 0; Leitchville-Gunbower 23, 0; Lockington Bamawm United 0, 0.