PYRAMID Hill flirted with hitting the century mark against Inglewood in Loddon Valley A Grade netball, but in the end had to settle for 97 goals and a 73-goal win.
The percentage booster came on the back of a stellar performance from goal shooter Jess Holdstock, who turned her height advantage over the Woodies’ defenders into a goal spree.
The Bulldogs, last season’s runners up, shot 29 goals to three in the last quarter against the over-stretched Inglewood team.
After a relatively sedate start when Pyramid Hill led 14-8 at quarter-time, the Bulldogs piled on 26, 28, and 29 goals respectively in the last three terms.
It was the second straight match in which Inglewood’s opponents scored 97 goals, after reigning premiers Mitiamo went big in the previous round.
Morgan Dingwall at goal attack worked beautifully with Holdstock, with the two fed constantly by the Bulldogs mid-court of Abbey Dingwall, Laura Herbert and captain Gemma Scott.
Inglewood never gave up, but were outclassed by a taller, faster and more skilled opposition.
Goal attack Teresa Fitzpatrick battled hard against the odds, especially in the first half when her side was more competitive.
Pyramid Hill has this week’s bye, while Inglewood meets Calivil, which sits in second-last place on the ladder, giving the Woodies some optimism for a first win for the season.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine kept alive its finals hopes with a 34-goal win over Maiden Gully.
The Bears sit in sixth spot, one game behind Marong and with an inferior percentage.
Serp was always in control against the Eagles, streaking away in the last quarter when it piled on 18 goals to five.
A huge test awaits the Bears this week, when they travel to Mitiamo to face the ladder leaders.
Maiden Gully is at home to Marong, who had last week’s bye.
Mitiamo’s unbeaten season rolled along with a 61-38 win over third-placed Newbridge.
Scores were level at quarter-time as the Maroons took it up to the premiership favourites, but by the main break the Superoos had moved to a 10-goal lead.
Miti extended that lead in both periods of the second half, again stamping its authority as the team to beat in 2025.
The Superoos remain four points ahead of Pyramid Hill on the ladder, with a game in hand, and are almost certain to hold on to top spot entering the finals.
Finishing with the minor premiership will give the team a week off at the beginning of the finals.
Bridgewater recorded a comfortable win over Calivil, 74-47, to keep its hold on fourth place on the ladder.
The Mean Machine led all day, increasing its margin over the Demons in every quarter.
The win leaves Bridgewater a game and percentage ahead of Marong, with a finals appearance seemingly guaranteed with three rounds left.
The Mean Machine hosts Newbridge this week, with Calivil travelling to Inglewood.