KYNETON and Maryborough marked their first A-grade netball wins of the season in Saturday’s third round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.
After a tough start to the season which began on Castlemaine’s court and then at home against Gisborne, Kyneton marked the trek to Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Strathfieldsaye.
The Tigers put in a superb effort to record a 40-30 victory.
Kyneton’s challenge now is keep the momentum rolling in next Saturday’s home game against a South Bendigo line-up on the rebound from defeat.
The Alicia Cassidy-coached Maryborough won a closely-fought contest on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.
The Magpies and Bulldogs were desperate to chalk up win number one.
Midcourter Tori Chandler, experienced forward Jordan Macilwain, and wing defence Amanda Cox all played starring roles for Maryborough in a 41-28 victory.
Gisborne overcame quarter-time and half-time deficits to beat Castlemaine at Gardiner Reserve.
Stung by a 33-goal loss at home to Sandhurst in round one, Gisborne has struck back superbly.
The team in red, white and blue turned a two-goal lead at the last change into a nine-goal margin as it beat a skilful Castlemaine line-up, 43-34.
Goal attack Claudia Mawson, and Betty Thompson medallists as league best and fairest winners, Tiana Newman and Maddy Stewart led Gisborne’s charge to victory.
Despite being without Kelsey Meade in attack and Imogen Sexton in defence, Sandhurst was too strong for South Bendigo.
The clash of the QEO co-tenants was dominated by the team in maroon and blue.
Goalkeeper Ruby Turner was in superb touch and the Sandhurst goalers capitalised on the mid-court dominance on the way to a 59-30 victory.
The unbeaten Kangaroo Flat showed no mercy in an 80-22 victory against Eaglehawk on the Kangaroos’ court at Dower Park.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Kangaroo Flat 339, 12; Sandhurst 216, 12; South Bendigo 133, 8; Castlemaine 113, 8; Gisborne 107, 8; Maryborough 79, 4; Kyneton 68, 4; Strathfieldsaye 67, 4; Eaglehawk 51, 0; Golden Square 35, 0.
Top two teams, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst meet in Saturday’s fourth round at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Kyneton hosts South Bendigo at Tigerland.
Castlemaine and Strathfieldsaye meet at Camp Reserve.
Maryborough takes on Gisborne at Princes Park.
Eaglehawk and Golden Square do battle on the Canterbury Park court.
Written by Nathan Dole.