A talented player from New Zealand made a huge difference to Kyneton’s A-grade netball side on Saturday.
The Kyneton Tigers were without a win until they thrashed Melton South 83-46.
Ellie Bird produced an unstoppable scoring spree with 73 goals, the most in the RDFNL’s fifth round of matches.
Recruiting ace defender Kristiana Manu’a has been a big boost for the Tigers this season, and having a very tall attacker who can produce 73 goals means trouble for the opposition at both ends of the court, even allowing for Melton South being winless this season.
Manu’a, Bird and Lauren Girvan were Kyneton’s ‘top three’ on the court.
The other A-grade encounter where goals were plentiful was at Melton Centrals, where unbeaten Lancefield scored its biggest win of the season with resounding 79-31 margin.
Remarkably consistent shooter Shanae Brundell was on song again with 69 goals for the Tigers.
It was a different story at Macedon, where the Cats fully tested reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket.
Defensive pressure at both ends of the court made it tough for either side to take control, with the final score 31-28 in favour of the Hawks.
Georgia Bowkett, Natalie McDonald and coach Ty Coppinger were best for the winners.
The Cats have lost one of their top attackers for the season through injury, but coach Katie Clarke remains confident the side can earn a finals spot.
Riddell led throughout to defeat Romsey 61-48, with Shelby Holter providing a target near goals.
Romsey’s Maddison Thompson scored 26 goals, to add to her earlier 39 as the Redbacks eclipsed the Bombers by 18 goals in B-grade.
Gisborne Giants continued on their winning way with a 59-43 margin against Diggers Rest.
The big game this Saturday is at Lancefield, where the Tigers will be looking to find a way to stop the fourth-placed Hawks.
Current ladder: Wallan 20 points, Lancefield 20, Gisborne Giants 16, Woodend-Hesket 16, Riddell 12, Macedon 8, Melton Centrals 8, Kyneton 8, Diggers Rest 8, Romsey 4, Melton South 4.
