AFL Outer East Premier League netball had Cranbourne make its first ever visit to Olinda Recreation Reserve to take on Olinda-Ferny Creek.
First up, an undermanned Olinda Ferny Creek took on a very strong Cranbourne unit in the 17 and Under competition.
When the sides clashed in round two it was Cranbourne by 36 goals but this time around, with three of their starting lineup missing the young Swannies did themselves proud and never threw in the towel.
Cranbourne eventually ran out winners by 19 goals (42 to 23) but the result showed a massive improvement from the Olinda Ferny Creek girls since round two.
Ava Van Leemput, Hannah Pace and Casey Edwards were all good for the Swannies.
D-grade was up next, where the second-placed Cranbourne was far too powerful and talented for Olinda Ferny Creek from the get go.
With consecutive losses to Beaconsfield, Berwick and Cranbourne, the girls are learning the step up in competition is a large one.
Cranbourne won every quarter and was victorious by 27 goals (50 to 23).
Michelle Tomlinson, Mary Taylor and Emmalee Keegan tried hard all game.
The girls have a must-win game against Wandin next week to hang onto fifth position on the ladder.
C-grade was a closer contest but again Cranbourne just had that extra edge in talent to outclass the Olinda Ferny Creek girls, 39 to 27.
The game was a good contest throughout with some good netball on display.
Paris Tilley was a standout for Olinda Ferny Creek, supported by Jess Horner and Sera Long.
In B-grade, Olinda Ferny Creek jumped out to a nine-goal lead at quarter time and was never headed from there.
The girls remain undefeated after eight rounds and sit atop the ladder.
After a sloppy first half riddled with turnovers, the girls found their mojo in the second half to record a 13-goal victory, 48 to 35.
The highlight of the game was Bron Simpson moving from goalkeeper to goal shooter in the final quarter to replace the injured Nic Millwood and shooting nine goals.
The best players were Ash Cartlidge, Paris Tilley and Bron Simpson.
In A-grade it was top of the table Olinda Ferny Creek that took on third placed Cranbourne.
In an incredibly physical game it was the Bloods that triumphed by 25 goals, 58 to 33.
Bri Hipwell, Peri Stewart and Madi Taylor were all good for Olinda Ferny Creek.
Next week Olinda Ferny Creek will travel to North Wandin Recreation Reserve to take on a traditional rival in Wandin in five grades. The action kicks off at 9am.
