BY NATHAN DOLE
UNBEATEN in its pursuit of back-to-back A-grade netball premierships, Elmore is on Colbinabbin’s court for this Saturday’s 11th round in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.
It’s first against third at Colbinabbin’s M.J. Morgan Reserve.
The Bloods and Grasshoppers are both in hot form.
Jointly coached by Allira Holmes and Gabe Richards, Elmore has won all nine matches.
The Bloods were almost upset by Colbinabbin when these teams met in round two.
On that day it was Elmore which held on to win a high-scoring match marked by plenty of skill by both teams, 61-56.
Although it was beaten the Jen McIntyre-coached Colbinabbin gained plenty of confidence from that performance.
Since then the green and gold has achieved six wins and just one more defeat to be third in the premiership race.
In last Saturday’s play, Colbinabbin made a great start to lead 35-16 at half-time of the clash with Heathcote on its court at Barrack Reserve.
The Saints fought back to win the third term, 16-8, but it was Colbinabbin which claimed a 58-42 victory.
After an evenly-fought first half against the Huntly Hawks, Elmore won the third term, 23-8, on the way to a 64-38 result.
There will be crucial matches for Heathcote and North Bendigo who are locked in a great battle to decide fifth place and a finals berth.
Heathcote makes its way to Gunbower to take on Leitchville Gunbower.
It’s a must-win game for the Saints who are locked on the same win-loss record of 4-5 with North Bendigo.
As the Saints were defeated at home last Saturday, North Bendigo won 39-34 against the fourth-placed Mount Pleasant at Toolleen.
In round two, the Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes-coached Heathcote scored a 56-35 win against Leitchville Gunbower.
The Gemma Angove-coached Bombers will be keen to bounce back after a big loss to the powerful White Hills in the Demons’ den.
Refreshed by the bye, Lockington Bamawm United is at home to take on North Bendigo.
The Jessie Hardess-coached LBU played its first match of the season on North Bendigo’s court at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.
On that day the Shellie Davies-coached Bulldogs won the round two match by 10 goals.
After such an important win against Mounts last round, North Bendigo will be determined to keep the momentum rolling and also to keep the heat on the Heathcote Saints.
The Harlowe Huntly Hawks are on their court at Strauch Reserve to take on Mount Pleasant.
The Kym Bell-coached Hawks finished within 10 goals of the Blues in round two at Toolleen.
A big test for the brown and gold against the Carine Comer-coached Mount Pleasant smarting from its loss to North Bendigo.
White Hills has the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 183 per cent, 36 points; White Hills 203, 32; Colbinabbin 148, 28; Mount Pleasant 91, 20; Heathcote 100, 16; North Bendigo 74, 16; Huntly 74, 4; Lockington Bamawm United 53, 4; Leitchville Gunbower 49, 4.