BOORT’S 24-goal win over Birchip Watchem in North Central A Grade netball has set up a ‘Loddon Challenge’ grudge match against Wedderburn that will help decide who gets the double chance in the finals.
The Magpies are third on the ladder behind the Redbacks and Sea Lake Nandaly, with less than two per cent separating them from the Tigers on 40 points each with 10-3 records.
Wedderburn remains undefeated after thumping Donald by 70 goals but faces a stiff test away at Boort.
If you draw a form line through the Bulls, who lost to the Redbacks by just eight goals a week earlier, the Magpies will confront their fierce local rivals with some confidence.
Boort led by 11 goals at the first break against Birchip Watchem and steadily increased that margin over the course of the 62-38 win.
The Bulls are in a tight battle with Calder United for fourth spot on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
Wedderburn’s one-sided clash with Donald was highlighted by a second half in which the Redbacks scored 34 goals to six.
Coach Susie Lockhart said all the team played well, with Holly Lockhart a standout at goal attack.
She was also impressed by Kelsey Pallpratt’s versatility in playing all three mid-court roles at different times.
“We’ve got three new players in the team this year, and I’m still learning things about the players,” Lockhart said.
The Boort challenge would be a serious one, she said, with the Magpies having a lot riding on the outcome.
“It makes the players realise that they do have to have to continue to work hard,” Lockhart said.
In other matches, Calder United held onto fourth place with a 44-goal win over bottom-placed St Arnaud, and Sea Lake Nandaly took out a low-scoring affair against Charlton 35-21.
Sea Lake’s grip on second spot on the ladder ahead of Boort is tenuous, with clashes against Wedderburn and Calder to follow this week’s likely win over Donald.
Calder’s final-round meeting with Sea Lake will be pivotal to both teams, as Calder would be expected to win against Charlton and Donald in the next fortnight.