Macedon enters the Queen’s Birthday weekend bye undefeated and on top of the Riddell Netball Football League ladder.
The Cats faced one of their toughest tests on Saturday against Romsey, and passed with flying colours.
They went into the match without Caitlyn Alifraco and Tayissa Coppinger, while Chloe Wilson and Janelle Birch were on restrictions, all due to Victorian Netball League commitments.
Despite this, the Cats built up a nine goal lead at the last break.
The Redbacks threw their line-up around in the final quarter and got on a run to reduce the margin to five goals.
The Cats steadied, winning 38-32.
Cats’ coach Ciara Stewart said she was thrilled to come away with the win.
“Everything aside, we were missing Ty and Caitlyn and Janelle and Chloe were on restrictions.
“We didn’t have a full side, so we were really happy to put out that game.
“In the end we were more versatile and had more options.”
Stewart said B-graders Karyn Szulc and Ashlee Coxhell didn’t look out of place.
Chloe Wilson shot 20 goals in three quarters of netball. In another good sign, Chelsea Kemp returned from injury.
Stewart confirmed that last year’s joint Ryan medallist Amy Carroll wouldn’t play again this season. Carroll decided to give away playing in the competition.
Stewart said they were still unsure how they would cover the loss.
“We can pull Ash up when we need her,” she said. “She’s more than capable and we’ve played a lot together at Parkville.
“We’re still not sure if we want to sacrifice the B-grade side.”
The win leaves the Cats six points clear on top of the ladder.
Stewart said they couldn’t have asked for much more.
“We’re doing all the things we have wanted to do,” she said.
“We’re trying things and playing B-graders. We were happy to do that and possibly sacrifice a result.
“I’m really happy to be sitting undefeated and we’re yet to have our full side this year.”
The rest of the round pulled out some surprise results.
Rupertswood and Wallan had to settle for a 34-all draw.
In a thriller of a game, the Sharks came from two goals down at three-quarter time to level the score.
Rockbank shocked Diggers Rest, winning 39-31, while it was a one-sided affair for Riddell against Melton Centrals, winning 55-32.
Woodend-Hesket got its second win of the season, defeating Broadford 40-32.
