Woodend-Hesket’s bid for a fourth successive Riddell League A-grade netball premiership is very much alive after the first round of finals at the weekend.
The Hawks, under the astute on-court leadership of coach Ty Coppinger, had to work hard to defeat second-placed Wallan 38-28 in the qualifying encounter at Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday.
Adaptability and team spirit are a hallmark of the Hawks, who put the brakes on the Magpies at every opportunity.
The final score was 38-28, and the Hawks now face a tough semi-final against the fast moving Riddell combination at Kyneton.
The Bombers were too quick and skilled for sixth-placed Macedon, winning 59-40 in an elimination final at Wallan.
Last week Lancefield re-appointed senior coach Ciara Stewart for 2027, and the Tigers pleased supporters with a determined 42-38 victory over the talented Gisborne Giants.
The Woodend-Hesket versus Riddell semi-final this Saturday at Kyneton should be a ripper.
On Sunday, the Wallan versus Lancefield semi-final at Woodend is another drawcard match.
The B-grade qualifying match between Lancefield and Romsey was a high-scoring thriller, with the Tigers holding their nerve to prevail 58-54.
In the B-grade elimination matches on Sunday, Wallan ousted Riddell 53-33, and the Giants defeated Macedon 46-35.
Riddell defeated Macedon 29-24 in C-grade on Saturday, and on Sunday the Giants toppled Woodend-Hesket 34-28, and Melton South outplayed Romsey 29-23.
In D-grade, Diggers Rest beat Melton South 31-21, Lancefield toppled Woodend-Hesket 32-23, and Kyneton 25 d Giants 17 to keep premiership hopes alive.
Powerhouse 19&Under side Riddell 43 beat Wallan 32 on Saturday, with Melton South 34 defeating Giants 26, and Diggers Rest 33 edged out Romsey 31.
Some interest-packed semi-finals are ahead this weekend at both Kyneton and Woodend.
