Woodend-Hesket, winner of the last three Riddell League A-grade netball premierships, finds itself back on top of the ladder with two rounds to go before the finals.
What an intriguing home and away season 2026 has been, with several teams certainly in contention if they produce their best form in the finals.
The Hawks predictably won at home to Romsey on Saturday (46-34) and found they were on top thanks to a resilient and well organised Lancefield combination toppling ladder leader Wallan 54-38.
As playing coach Ty Coppinger has pointed out, securing the double chance is all-important.
Ultra-consistent Natalie McDonald was the Hawks’ best, and Emma Grech again shone for the Redbacks.
Lancefield coach Ciara Stewart can be well pleased with her side’s performance, with the trio of Lily Florance, Bridget Dods and Bella Collodetti producing their best when it mattered.
The Tigers are third on the ladder, well ahead of Riddell on percentage.
Looking ahead, Lancefield is seeking a netball coordinator for the 2027 season, with applications being invited now.
Ellen Close, Hayley Brown and Milly Shaw were the Bombers’ best as they secured a 58-48 margin against Diggers Rest.
Macedon downed Melton Centrals 47-37 to be two points behind sixth-placed Kyneton, who overpowered bottom side Melton South by 30 goals (69-39).
Kyneton’s Evie Stothers scored 50 goals and was a good stand-in for absent super star Ellie Bird.
This Saturday, Kyneton travel to Wallan for a crucial clash for both sides. In the final round on August 15 Kyneton face a tough task against Woodend-Hesket, while Macedon play Lancefield.
In B-grade, Lancefield and Romsey already have the double chance sewn up.
CURRENT LADDERS
With two rounds to go before the finals, positions of teams in Riddell League netball Saturday competition are:
A-grade: Woodend-Hesket 52 pts, Wallan 50, Lancefield 48, Riddell 48, Gisborne Giants 46, Kyneton 42, Macedon 40, Romsey 22, Melton Centrals 20, Diggers Rest 12, Melton South 12.
B-grade: Lancefield 60, Romsey 60, Wallan 52, Macedon 48, Gisborne Giants 40, Riddell 36, Kyneton 32, Melton Centrals 22, Melton South 20, Diggers Rest 14, Woodend-Hesket 8.
C-grade: Riddell 60, Macedon 58, Melton South 52, Gisborne Giants 48, Romsey 44, Woodend-Hesket 36, Wallan 30, Diggers Rest 24, Lancefield 20, Melton Centrals 12, Kyneton 8.
D-grade: Melton South 62, Diggers Rest 56, Lancefield 54, Gisborne Giants 48, Woodend-Hesket 36, Kyneton 34, Romsey 30, Riddell 20, Macedon 20, Melton Centrals 20, Wallan 12.
19&Under: Riddell 60, Wallan 60, Melton South 52, Romsey 48, Gisborne Giants 36, Diggers Rest 36, Lancefield 32, Woodend-Hesket 28, Melton Centrals 16, Macedon 12, Kyneton 12.