By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren has all but secured another netball minor premiership and a day off in the first week of finals thanks to a 30-goal win over Upwey Tecoma at Thompson Reserve.
After they were held in-check during the first term, Narre Warren cut lose in the second quarter to set up the 56-26 thrashing, outscoring the Tigers 45-17 after the opening period.
The second half of the contest was particularly tough for the Tigers, who only scored 10, where the Magpies scored 28.
Soph Hennessey and Brittany Mashado dominated the middle of the court for the Magpies as Clare Vearing nailed 35 goals.
The Magpies are now two games clear on top spot ahead of Mt Evelyn with two games remaining, meaning the lowest they can fall to is second place, but a far superior percentage to the Rovers should keep them safe, if required.
The goals were spread evenly among the Tigers, Molly Argoon and Jessica Black adding nine each and Mia Lui eight.
Olinda Ferny Creek rebounded from last week’s loss against Narre Warren by thrashing Monbulk at the Hawks’ nest.
A total of 24 goals separated the two sides come the final whistle, the Bloods piling on 72 goals to Monbulk’s 48.
The margin grew at every interval from nine goals, to 13, to 17 and then 24 in a statement game from the Bloods, putting on its equal-highest team score for the season.
A shootout between Hailey Howard and Peri Reid provided the entertainment, with Howard’s 45 winning the battle by one goal.
Taylah Werner was excellent off the bench for the Bloods, adding 13.
A poor second half from Beaconsfield allowed Mt Evelyn to power to a 27-goal victory at home.
The Eagles scored just three goals in the final term as the margin grew from 12 at the final break to 27, the Rovers defence coming to the fore in the 59-32 victory.
Mt Evelyn’s bookends in Rory Barr and Kaitlyn Black both starred for the home side, while Elizabeth Murphy’s scoring output dramatically fell away only managing 16 for Beaconsfield.
The Eagles fall back to fifth place as a result of the loss, leapfrogged by Olinda Ferny Creek into fourth.
Pakenham secured its first win since round eight, defeating Gembrook Cockatoo in Gembrook by 21 goals.
The second quarter was the decisive period of the game for Pakenham, scoring 16 goals to the Brookers’ five on their way to a 52-31 victory.
Leilani Pokia and Hayley Melsen each scored 16 for Pakenham while Mya Hounsell added nine off the bench on debut in blue.
Chelsea Ingram scored 27 of Gembrook Cockatoo’s 31 goals, Hollie Burton and Mary Miles among the other standouts.
Wandin’s steely defence made life awfully difficult for Berwick in the Bulldogs’ 25-goal win at home.
Berwick scored just a single goal in the second quarter, where Wandin managed 16, to further separate themselves in the contest after a 14-8 opening term.
Berwick outscored Wandin 13-11 in the final period but the damage had already been done by the Bulldogs, who finished 54-29 winners.
Emmalia Blake scored 49 goals and Maddy George was a welcome sight back on the court for Wandin in defence.
Co-captains Darcy Utber and Holly Moulday led the way for Berwick.
