COLBINABBIN scored a convincing 20-goal victory against fierce rival White Hills in Saturday’s fifth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League season.
The past four grand finals featured Colbinabbin and White Hills.
The Grasshoppers triumphed in 2016 and ’17, but the Demons reigned supreme in 2018 and ’19.
Since a 10-goal win against Colbo in the 2019 play-off, White Hills coach Lauren Bowles has taken charge of a new-look squad.
The Demons began the season by being outplayed under lights at home by Elmore, but since then defeated Leitchville Gunbower, had a bye, won at North Bendigo, and at home against Heathcote.
Colbinabbin’s run in the lead-up to Saturday’s big game had been loss at Elmore, win at Lockington, victory at home against Huntly, and win at Leitchville.
The Grasshoppers dominated many minutes of the showdown with White Hills.
A tally of 67 goals was Colbo’s second best of the season as the Grasshoppers worked hard to restrict White Hills to 47 goals.
Results in other matches went as expected, although the margin at Heathcote was extremely close.
The Heathcote Saints played terrific netball on their court at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve to be within three goals of North Bendigo at the final whistle.
An exciting contest ended in a 51-48 victory for North Bendigo.
Mount Pleasant was too strong for Leitchville Gunbower at Toolleen.
The Blues beat the Bombers, 47-22.
Unbeaten Elmore passed the 60-goal mark in consecutive weeks.
The Bloods beat Huntly, 61-35, which followed a 67-25 result at Lockington the previous round.
Lockington Bamawm United had the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 186 per cent, 20 points; Colbinabbin 146, 16; North Bendigo 119, 12; White Hills 110, 12; Mount Pleasant 97, 8; Huntly 95, 8; Heathcote 83, 8; Lockington Bamawm United 53, 0; Leitchville Gunbower 45, 0.
In next Saturday’s sixth round, White Hills and Mount Pleasant clash at Tint-A-Car Oval in Scott Street, White Hills.
North Bendigo takes on Colbinabbin at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.
Leitchville Gunbower faces Elmore at Degroot Roof Painting Oval in Leitcvhille.
Huntly meets Lockington Bamawm United at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval in Huntly’s Strauch Reserve.
Heathcote has the bye.
Written by Nathan Dole