By Abby Walter

Minyip-Murtoa and Stawell A Grade netballers are fighting for a position in Wimmera Football Netball League finals.

The Warriors are hosting the Burras this weekend and a win to either team would see them jump into fifth position – one step closer to a finals berth.

When the teams previously met it was a close game in round eight. Minyip-Murtoa won by three goals.

Both teams are coming off a loss in round 16 and will be hungry for the win.

Minyip-Murtoa lost to Ararat by seven goals, despite a second and third-quarter comeback that almost saw them take a lead.

The Rats started strong, with Tayla Borrelli feeding the ball well into the ring and Jessica Taylor strong across the court.

The margin began to shrink with the Burras slowing the Rats down, but Ararat was able to find energy in the last quarter to storm ahead for the win.

Faith McKenzie and Tamika Mentha were stand-outs for Minyip-Murtoa.

Southern Mallee Giants outplayed Stawell with a 15-goal win after a close first half.

The first quarter saw some fast shooting from both teams, with pressure on in the second quarter and teams having to work harder to capitalise in the following quarters. The Giants secured a lead that they continued to build on and worked hard to the finish.

Codie Robins and Jodie Hayes were crucial in the win for the Giants, while Madi Taylor and Lisa Fleming played well for the Warriors.

Horsham Saints were in fine form against Dimboola and an early lead got them over the line to win by nine goals.

Despite an early injury for Dimboola shooter Nicole Polycarpou, the team kept close to the Saints in the first half.

The Saints worked quickly in the second half, and Larnie Hobbs’ defence was key in the home team’s win.

Abby Hallam also played well for the Saints with 28 goals.

Abbey Greig in the midcourt and Olivia Jorgensen in defence and goals worked hard all game for the Roos.

The Tigers played Warrack Eagles in the Amy Pilgrim Memorial Round at Nhill. 

The round honours the former player, who died in a motor vehicle crash in 2020. 

Her family established the round to spread awareness of the importance of road safety and the responsibility a driver has for the safety of their passengers.

A most consistent medal was awarded to a player in each netball grade, and all netballers wore purple ribbons. 

In round 17, Ararat will be tested by Horsham Demons who will be well rested after a bye and ready to storm into finals. 

Horsham Saints will look to continue their winning streak, with no losses since round 11, and Warrack Eagles will have to work hard to shut down the Saints’ fast work down the court.

This week: Ararat v Horsham, Warrack Eagles v Horsham Saints, Stawell v Minyip-Murtoa, Southern Mallee Giants v Nhill. Dimboola, bye. 

Last week: Horsham Saints 58 d Dimboola 49, Ararat 36 d Minyip-Murtoa 29, Southern Mallee Giants 57 d Stawell 42. 

Ladder: Horsham 46 points, 162.98 percent; Horsham Saints 32, 99.84; Southern Mallee Giants 30, 106.68; Ararat 24, 96.52; Dimboola 22, 88.95; Minyip-Murtoa 20, 94.24; Stawell 18, 90.52; Warrack Eagles 8, 79.63. 

The entire August 10, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!