SOUTH Bendigo had the answers to a determined Kyneton in Saturday’s third round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
The Bloods and Tigers met at South Bendigo’s new home at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.
An eight-goal lead by quarter-time proved crucial as Kyneton lifted its play after the first break.
Led by another strong performance by Chloe Gray in midcourt, the Janelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo went on to win 48-44.
There were many highlights for the red and white who had defenders Steph Goode and Alicia McGlashan up against the height and skill of Michelle Fletcher and Claire Oakley.
In attack, Steph Goode and Alicia McGlashan teamed well for the Bloods.
Best for a Kyneton team coached by Dianne Guest-Oakley included Bec Ingleton at goal defence and Brooke Mangan.
A talented line-up in the yellow and black includes Rachelle Mangan and Tilly Shepherd.
The play of Caitlin Richardson and Jane O’Donohue was a significant factor in Castlemaine’s win against Strathfieldsaye at Camp Reserve.
The Gary Cooke and Fiona Fowler-coached Magpies were under pressure for a lot of the contest at home.
It was another strong performance by the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye, but Castlemaine was able to take the points in a 51-34 result.
Maryborough was at home at Princes Park to take on Kangaroo Flat.
A young Magpies’ team coached by Jordan Macilwain embraced the challenge of taking on and learning from a hit-out against last season’s runner-up.
The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos won 75-29 on the Pies’ court at Princes Park.
On a day where dual Betty Thompson medallist Heather Oliver and gun defender Imogen Sexton hit the 100-game mark, Sandhurst passed a century tally of goals in its clash with Golden Square at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The maroon and blue dominated in all thirds of the court against a young Golden Square team coached by Benita Swatton to claim a 103-21 victory.
It was a twilight match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve where the home team won 49-26 against Eaglehawk.
Standings after three rounds in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 204 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 165, 12; Kangaroo Flat 150, 8; South Bendigo 124, 8; Castlemaine 116, 8; Kyneton 113, 4; Strathfieldsaye 105, 4; Maryborough 76, 4; Eaglehawk 55, 0; Golden Square 31, 0.
In next Saturday’s fourth round, it’s third against second as Kangaroo Flat meets Gisborne on the Roos’ court at Dower Park.
Strathfieldsaye is at home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Sandhurst.
Kyneton and Maryborough meet in Tigerland at Kyneton Showgrounds.
Golden Square is at home to face South Bendigo at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.
Eaglehawk is up against Castlemaine at Canterbury Park.
Round three scoreboard:
A-reserve:
South Bendigo 44 d Kyneton 33, Sandhurst 80 d Golden Square 27, Castlemaine 45 d Strathfieldsaye 39, Gisborne 68 d Eaglehawk 23, Kangaroo Flat bye.
B-grade:
South Bendigo 49 d Kyneton 40, Sandhurst 54 d Golden Square 27, Castlemaine 37 lt Strathfieldsaye 54, Gisborne 56 d Eaglehawk 21, Maryborough 24 lt Kangaroo Flat 56.
B-reserve:
South Bendigo 62 d Kyneton 17, Sandhurst 60 d Golden Square 18, Castlemaine 14 lt Strathfieldsaye 49, Gisborne 60 d Eaglehawk 26, Maryborough 10 lt Kangaroo Flat 76.
17-and-under:
South Bendigo 41 d Kyneton 20, Sandhurst 55 d Golden Square 46, Castlemaine 42 lt Strathfieldsaye 45, Gisborne 70 d Eaglehawk 25, Maryborough 37 d Kangaroo Flat 36.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s netball competitions:
A-reserve:
Gisborne 252 per cent, 12 points; Sandhurst 198, 12; South Bendigo 128, 12; Castlemaine 80, 8; Strathfieldsaye 76, 4; Kangaroo Flat 75, 4; Kyneton 74, 4; Eaglehawk 49, 4; Golden Square 65, 0.
B-grade:
Sandhurst 197 cent, 12 points; Gisborne 193, 12; Kangaroo Flat 118, 8; Strathfieldsaye 112, 8; South Bendigo 111, 8; Golden Square 74, 4; Eaglehawk 73, 4; Castlemaine 67, 2; Maryborough 61, 2; Kyneton 69, 0.
B-reserve:
Sandhurst 272 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 167, 12; Kangaroo Flat 179, 8; Strathfieldsaye 174, 8; Eaglehawk 109, 8; South Bendigo 131, 4; Castlemaine 62, 4; Golden Square 54, 4; Maryborough 34, 0; Kyneton 30, 0.
17-and-under:
Sandhurst 202 per cent, 12 points; Gisborne 187, 12; Maryborough 142, 12; Golden Square 170, 8; Kangaroo Flat 113, 4; Strathfieldsaye 82, 4; South Bendigo 77, 4; Eaglehawk 69, 4; Castlemaine 69, 0; Kyneton 22, 0.
