There were a couple of thrillers as the Riddell District Netball League heats up.
In tough conditions to play netball, most of the games were competitive for long periods of the game.
Ladder leader Riddell was made to work hard against the Western Rams, sneaking home 40-36.
The Rams led by four goals at the first break, before the Bombers got going to lead by that margin at the main break.
The Bombers got the margin out to nine goals at the final change, before the Rams came home strong, but they weren’t able to get across the line.
Shelby Holter shot 29 goals for the Bombers, while Ellen Close shot 11. Close was named their best.
For the Rams, Malia Seumanutafa shot 22 goals and was named their best.
Melton Centrals and Lancefield also played out a thriller, with Centrals just getting across the line.
The Tigers started well with an 18-11 first quarter before Centrals took the lead in the second quarter.
Centrals increased the lead to six goals at the final break. A 12-7 final quarter got the Tigers back into the game but they fell just short, losing 38-37.
Darcee Ellard shot 20 goals for the Tigers.
Romsey’s good form continued with a strong win against Wallan.
The Redbacks started the better of the two sides, leading by six goals at quarter time. The margin was reduced slightly in the second quarter before going back out to six goals at the final break.
The Redbacks sealed the 48-40 win with a 12-10 final quarter.
Uneeq Palavi was named the best for the Redbacks, scoring 33 goals, while Lucia Fauonuku was strong in defence.
The Redbacks now sit in sixth spot a game outside the top five.
Woodend-Hesket came away with the win in the other match, beating Diggers Rest 50-32.
The second time last season’s grand finalists have played, it was the Hawks that again came out on top.
The Hawks jumped out to a n early lead and were able to extend the margin to 20 goals at the final change.
The Burras finished on a positive note, winning the final quarter, but the game was already over.
Hawks playing coach Meg Grbac was named their best. Matilda Lethlean, who shot 29 goals, was also a standout.
For the Burras, Alice Sacco and Leona Hristovska were named their best.
The Hawks sit third on the ladder, two points behind second placed Macedon, which had the bye.
