Kyneton A-grade netballers’ five-game winning streak came to an end at Riddell on Saturday, the fourth-placed Bombers winning 50-47 to enhance their overall improvement.
Round 10 results were significant with reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket beaten in a low-scoring battle against Macedon, and Lancefield ousted from top position by Wallan.
The battle to earn a spot in the finals (top six) promises to be intriguing for the remainder of the home and away games.
At most venues, players and spectators had to endure cold and rain, and Riddell coach Chris O’Sullivan was extremely pleased with his young side’s performance in the conditions.
The Bombers’ Under 19s are also running hot, winning 77-12 to remain unbeaten and add to the positive vibes at the club.
Ellen Close’s return from injury has helped Riddell, which has multiple scoring options.
Kyneton led by two goals at half-time, and fought the match right out, with Ellie Bird (39 goals), Lauren Girvan and Alex Strawhorn the Tigers’ best.
“We have the bye this Saturday and will regroup (in netball and football) and look forward to playing Macedon on July 4,” Kyneton president Julie Priestley said.
Reigning premier Woodend-Hesket found the well-disciplined Macedon combination too strong.
The Hawks were without star shooter Kaylia Stanton, and the Cats won 35-26 despite coach Ty Coppinger shining for the home side. Georgia Bowkett and Sarah Duff were also effective.
Macedon’s capable and experienced trio of Chloe Williams, Janelle Birch and coach Katie Clarke were in fine form, and they had more avenues to goal.
Lancefield, with injury and unavailability issues at the wrong time, went down 43-49 at home to a strong Wallan combination.
Chloe Hodgson, Lilli Florence and Mia Daly were the Tigers’ best.
It was Romsey’s first A-grade win of the season with a 46-32 effort at home to Diggers Rest.
In contrast, the Redbacks are unbeaten in B-grade, with Lancefield moving to second place after a 51-42 performance against Wallan.
LADDERS
After the completion of 10 rounds, positions of teams in the Riddell League netball competition are:
A-grade: Wallan 36 pts, Lancefield 32, Woodend-Hesket 32, Riddell 28, Gisborne Giants 28, Macedon 24, Kyneton 24, Melton Centrals 20, Diggers Rest 8, Romsey 8, Melton South 4.
B-grade: Romsey 40, Lancefield 36, Wallan 32, Gisborne Giants 28, Macedon 28, Riddell 24, Kyneton 20, Melton Centrals 14, Diggers Rest 10, Melton South 8, Woodend-Hesket 4.
C-grade: Macedon 38, Riddell 36, Gisborne Giants 28, Romsey 28, Melton South 28, Wallan 22, Diggers Rest 20, Woodend-Hesket 16, Lancefield 12, Melton Centrals 12, Kyneton 4.
D-grade: Melton South 40, Diggers Rest 36, Lancefield 32, Gisborne Giants 32, Kyneton 24, Woodend-Hesket 22, Romsey 18, Macedon 12, Melton Centrals 12, Riddell 8, Wallan 8.
19&Under: Riddell 40, Wallan 36, Melton South 32, Romsey 28, Gisborne Giants 24, Diggers Rest 24, Woodend-Hesket 20, Lancefield 20, Melton Centrals 8, Kyneton 8, Macedon 4.