The top five of Wimmera league A Grade netball is all but set, with Nhill needing a minor miracle in order to break into the five.

While the undefeated Horsham Saints enjoyed a bye, the Demons scored a convincing 22-goal victory over Warrack Eagles, Ararat won by 28 goals over Southern Mallee Thunder, and Stawell held off Minyip-Murtoa to win by six goals – round 15 was all about Nhill causing a major upset over Dimboola.

The first quarter could not have been more even, with scores level at 13-apiece, before the Tigers skipped out to a three-goal lead by half-time.

With Erin Ewer – crossing over from her usual Kybybolite club side in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football Netball League to fill in for Nhill – unstoppable in goal defence, Laharum permit player Ilze Van Zyl, and Ruby James on song at goal shooter, the Tigers put their foot down in the third term to take a 43-35 lead into the last break.

Dimboola, through defender Bridget Dorrington and goaler Nicole Polycarpou, pegged back the scoreline in the fourth quarter, but were unable to change their fate, as Nhill scored a 54-48 win.

It was only the Tigers’ fourth win of the season – but their best yet – and they now sit sixth on the ladder and 12 points out of the five. In order to make finals, they would need to win all three games – against Ararat, Warrack Eagles and Horsham Demons – and rely on Stawell or Ararat to lose their remaining matches. Even then, it would come down to percentage, which Nhill has the lowest of the three teams.

While they’ve hit a purple patch, Stawell has to play the Saints and Dimboola, and has a bye in the next three weeks.

The Warriors celebrated their co-coach Jemma Clarkson’s 250th A Grade games for the Stawell club with a win over the Burras on Saturday.

Clarkson – a nine-time club A Grade best-and-fairest winner and 2015 Heather Hatcher medallist – was again crucial for the Warriors, playing a standout role in goal attack, while defender Meg Walker also shone.

Minyip-Murtoa’s ever consistent Johanna Griffiths and Lauren Dodgshun were best for the visitors.

Horsham Demons held strong against the Eagles to lead at every change, as Febey McClure and Zarli Knight had a day out.

Meanwhile, at Ararat, the performances of defenders Demi Bligh and Bridie Price inspired the Rats to a 58-30 victory over the Thunder.

This Saturday, Southern Mallee will host the Eagles at Rainbow, Minyip-Murtoa play Dimboola, while the Saints host Stawell, Ararat travel to Nhill, and the Demons have a bye. 

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