The fierceness of the competition belied the ladder positions of Minyip-Murtoa and Southern Mallee Thunder when the two sides met in a Wimmera league A Grade netball clash on Saturday.

The Burras and Thunder entered round 11 with one win and a draw each – the Thunder at the foot of the ladder and the Burras one rung above.

Playing at home, Minyip-Murtoa trailed by a goal at quarter time but evened the scores at 28 apiece by the long break before earning a one-goal advantage heading into the final quarter.

After the Thunder scored the first goal of the term to level the scores again, the Burras turned the match decisively in their favour with a run of four straight scores, all coming from goal attack Jenna Schneider.

Schneider was outstanding, scoring 26 times and grabbing numerous offensive rebounds to earn the Burras second chances.

Also instrumental were Johanna Griffiths, who moved from goal defence to wing defence in the second half and created numerous turnovers, while Hayley Reading excelled at wing attack and centre.

The Thunder continued to press the Burras, with goalie Phoebe Bigham keeping them in the game, but were unable to draw closer than three goals after Minyip-Murtoa opened up a six-score advantage halfway through the final quarter.

A vocal home crowd cheered the Burras’ 38-34 win, which moved them four premiership points clear of the wooden-spoon position.

The only other round 11 game decided by fewer than 10 goals was Stawell’s 53-45 win against Warrack Eagles at Central Park.

The Warriors maintained a narrow lead throughout the first three quarters but broke their shackles with a 16-goals-to-10 final term as Ayva Mitchell finished with a season-high 47 goals.

Other top players for Stawell included versatile defender Lisa Considine and midcourter Jessie Newton, while the Eagles’ top players were goalie Nicola Clyne, 26 goals, and Jordan Heller at goal keeper.

Horsham Saints dominated rival Horsham after quarter time to win 85-58 in their Sunday meeting at Coughlin Park.

Saints captain Ashlee Grace was at her dynamic best in the midcourt, while Jorja Clode scored an incredible 69 goals from 74 attempts.

Dimboola accounted for Ararat with a strong second half on Saturday, winning 50-39 thanks to strong defensive performances from Stephanie Glover and Bridget Dorrington.

The Rats’ top players were goal keeper Bridie Price and goal attack Laney McLoughlan with 25 goals.

This weekend will see the Roos looking to shore up third spot on the ladder in a road game against Warrack Eagles, with Stawell hosting Horsham, Minyip-Murtoa looking to make it two wins in a row at Nhill and Southern Mallee Thunder hosting Horsham Saints in a match of top against bottom on the ladder.

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