FINALS-TIME arrived a couple of weeks early as Huntly and North Bendigo met in Saturday’s 17th round of the Bendigo Heathcote District Football Netball League’s A-grade netball competition.
The Hawks started the afternoon two points behind the fifth-placed North Bendigo as they took to the court at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval in Huntly’s Strauch Reserve.
When these clubs met in round one, North Bendigo scored a three goal win at home at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.
This time it was Huntly which dominated most of the contest.
The Hawks played brilliant netball to score a 47-29 victory and are likely to stay there, although they must win at Heathcote’s Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve next Saturday.
Stung by defeat, North Bendigo will return to home to play Leitchville Gunbower which the team in red, white and blue must win and bank on a Saints upset against the Hawks.
The league’s top two, Colbinabbin and Elmore clashed on the Grasshoppers’ court at M.J. Morgan Reserve in Colbinabbin.
The unbeaten Elmore scored an 18-goal win at home against Colbo in round one and again proved too strong in the rematch.
A strong Bloods’ attack capitalised on excellent teamwork through mid-court to win 82-63.
Lockington Bamawm United was not far away from ending its winless run when it hosted Heathcote at Nichol Trading Oval.
The Cats were much stronger in attack this round after being held to just 10 goals the previous round against White Hills.
A tally of 28 equalled LBU’s best score since it played Leitchville Gunbower in the seventh round.
At the final siren, Heathcote led 32-28.
White Hills was too strong for Leitchville Gunbower at Degroot Roof Painting Gunbower Reserve.
The Demons again passed the 50-goal mark in a 52-23 victory.
It was a much improved effort by the Bombers who were beaten by 32 goals in the round one match on the Demons’ court at Tint A Car Oval in Scott Street.
Mount Pleasant had the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 187 per cent, 54 points; Colbinabbin 143, 46; White Hills 129, 40; Mount Pleasant 117, 36; Huntly 101, 32; North Bendigo 91, 30; Heathcote 69, 20; Leitchville Gunbower 53, 8; Lockington Bamawm United 53, 6.
Final round of the home and away series will be played next Saturday.
Mount Pleasant will be keen to play well on its court at Toolleen against the unbeaten Elmore.
Colbinabbin takes on Lockington Bamawm United at Colbinabbin’s M.J. Morgan Reserve.
North Bendigo and Leitchville Gunbower clash at Hibo Hotel Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street.
Heathcote faces Huntly at Pigeon Park in Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve.
White Hills has the bye.
Written by Nathan Dole.