Harrow-Balmoral’s A Grade netball resurgence continued on Saturday, with the Roos beating top-five side Kaniva-Leeor United to move within striking distance of a Horsham District league finals berth.

The Roos won only one of their first seven games this season, but have now won four games in a row after Saturday’s nail-biting 40-38 win against the Cougars.

The contest was close throughout, with Harrow-Balmoral leading by a goal at quarter time and trailing by a goal at the half before scores were locked at 28 apiece entering the final term.

Desperate and scrappy play saw both sides adding only one goal to their tally in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Roos were effectively able to target goal attack Megan Little under the ring as they opened up a narrow advantage halfway through the term.

The Cougars fought back through captain Abby Croft, who traded goals with Little for much of the last term.

With Harrow-Balmoral leading by a goal and less than two minutes remaining, a pair of on-court collisions resulted in Kaniva-Leeor turnovers, denying the Cougars chances to even the scores.

The Roos pushed forward for one final score from Burns, and were lining up another shot when the final siren sounded.

Harrow-Balmoral is now just four premiership points and about 12 percentage points behind the fifth-placed Cougars, with sixth-placed Pimpinio also remaining in the thick of the finals race despite a 64-52 loss to Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend.

The Saints trailed the Tigers by two goals at quarter time but leaned on goalie Dee Dee Lambert as they scored 16 goals in the second quarter, 17 in the third and 21 in the last.

Hannah Magasanik was also outstanding for the Saints in the midcourt, while Mikayla Dumesny and Tahlia Thompson put in another strong showing in goals for the Tigers in what was a high-scoring match.

Rupanyup played a strong second quarter but was unable to overcome Natimuk United at Natimuk, losing 45-36.

The Panthers scored only six goals in the first quarter and trailed by five scores, but won the second term 13-9 to get themselves back in the contest.

But the Rams were too strong across the court, with Danielle Hanson solidifying the middle and Beth Sudholz locking down Rupanyup goalie Phoebe Downer in the second half.

Laharum was far too strong for Taylors Lake at home, winning 73-33 thanks to a 45-goal performance from shooter Caitlin Jones-Story.

Olivia Jones-Story was also dominant in the centre despite the best efforts of Laker Kayla Kelm.

Noradjuha-Quantong also posted a big win, defeating Swifts 78-35 at North Park.

The defensive pairing of Leah Mirtschin and Rachel Leader allowed Baggies goalie Jade Ralph few opportunities, while Bomber Jess Leader went head to head with Kathryn Boag in the centre.

This weekend the Bombers will put Harrow-Balmoral’s finals aspirations to the test at Horsham City Oval, while Kaniva-Leeor United hosts Natimuk United in what shapes as a must-win game for the Cougars.

Rupanyup is at home against Edenhope-Apsley, Pimpinio will host Laharum and Kalkee is on the road against Taylors Lake.

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