BY NATHAN DOLE
A REMATCH of 2022 grand finalists, Elmore and White Hills highlights Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.
The Bloods and Demons take unbeaten records into this match on Elmore’s court.
Both line-ups have plenty of skill in mid-court, attacking power, and strong defensive mindset.
Elmore almost hit the century mark in last Saturday’s clash with Leitchville Gunbower at Leitchville.
The Bloods won 97-28, but know the defensive heat from the Demons will be so much higher.
Jointly coached by Allira Holmes and Gabe Richards, Elmore’s squad includes Tahnee Cannan, Abbey Hromenko, Maddy Keating and Ellie Laffy.
It’s a different Bloods line-up which beat White Hills, 55-47 in last season’s grand final.
The Bloods ended a 54-year premiership drought and the hunger for more success has not dropped.
White Hills won its matches against Leitchville Gunbower and Heathcote by comfortable margins.
A brilliant first quarter played a big part in the Demons winning last Saturday night’s home match against the Saints at Winslow Constructions Oval in Scott Street.
The Lauren Bowles-coached Demons won 68-23 as Tegan Elliston starred at wing and goal defence for the red and black.
Other key players in the White Hills team include Amy Morrissey in defence, Olivia Treloar in attack, Alyssa Cole and Danni Wee Hee.
Lockington Bamawm United faces a tough ask against Colbinabbin.
The Jessie Hardess-coached LBU does have home court advantage at Lockington to take on the in-form Grasshoppers.
LBU is on the rebound from a 12-goal loss at Huntly and will look to Giselle Crawford and Tracey Ogden to lead the way.
The Jen McIntyre-coached Colbinabbin marked a 71-35 win against Mount Pleasant to claim the McTaggart-Conroy Cup.
A 2-1 record has the Grasshoppers who had Elle Palmer and Olivia McEvoy star against the Blues in third place in the premiership race.
The Carine Comer-coached Mount Pleasant will be determined to hit back from defeat when it plays Leitchville Gunbower on Mounts’ court at Toolleen.
The Blues should take the points, but will be wary of the Gemma Angove-coached Leitchville Gunbower squad that includes Maddie Curran in attack and Taylah Henderson in defence.
North Bendigo and Huntly will eye consecutive wins when they take to the court at Hibo Hotel Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street.
The Shellie Davies-coached North Bendigo had the bye after a win at home against Lockington Bamawm United.
Key players for the team in red, white and blue include Imogen Davies, Georgia and Jasmine Kinder.
The Huntly Hawks marked a 54-42 win at home against LBU last round.
The squad for the Kym Bell-coached Huntly includes Erin Scott, Jess Saffron, Brianna Burt and Serryn Eenjes.
Heathcote has the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL’s A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 196 per cent, 12 points; White Hills 354, 8; Colbinabbin 133, 8; Mount Pleasant 88, 8; North Bendigo 100, 4; Huntly 76, 4; Heathcote 75, 4; Lockington Bamawm United 78, 0; Leitchville Gunbower 34, 0.