A STORMING second half from Pyramid Hill set up a 16-goal win over Bridgewater in Loddon Valley netball.
The second-placed Bulldogs were two goals down at half-time after a Titanic battle in the first half.
However, 34 goals to 16 after the main break led to an unexpectedly big win for the visitors.
Coach Chelsea Emerson said the second-half turnaround came on the back of her side sticking faithfully to its game plan, as well as quicker ball movement after the break.
She said the players were “a little hesitant in letting the ball go” in the first half as Bridgewater began well defensively.
Shooter Jess Holdstock was in top form all day, and when the Bulldogs started to win more intercepts, her goal shooting became even more impactful.
Emmerson said another key role was played by wing defence Gemma Scott, a former Pyramid Hill coach, who kept the Mean Machine’s star wing attack and co-coach Olivia Hoiles under wraps.
Pyramid Hill plays winless Inglewood this week, while Bridgewater travels to Calivil.
Unbeaten Mitiamo almost topped the ton against Inglewood, romping home with a 79-goal victory.
It was an unequal contest from the start, with the reigning premiers scoring 24, 29, 21 and 23 goals in successive quarters in a relentless performance.
The win was the second time this season the Superoos have flirted with a century score, after notching 94 goals against Calivil in round two.
Coach Abbey Battersby admitted the aim was to score 100, but a loss of momentum in the third quarter saw the team fall short.
She said the win was a genuine team performance, from goalers Carly Scholes and Laura Hicks to a defence that held the opposition to a remarkably low score.
The Woodies could only manage 18 goals for the game as their dismal season continued, with neither A Grade nor A Reserve having won a match.
There was heartbreak for the A Reserve side against Mitiamo, losing 39-38 after coming from three goals down at three-quarter time.
Battesby said that despite not losing a game, Mitiamo was taking each match as it came and not focusing on achieving an unbeaten season with matches to come against three of the top five sides.
Marong missed a chance to go three games clear of Bears Lagoon Serpentine in fifth spot on the ladder with a galling one-goal loss. The Bears were nine goals up at half-time and held on from a charging Panthers team to win 51-50.
The thrilling victory keeps alive Serp’s outside finals chances, although an inferior percentage means that they must win every game and hope the Panthers slip up.
Marong has the bye this week, while Serp faces Maiden Gully, which is one spot and two matches below it on the ladder.
Both Marong and Serp play the Eagles, unbeaten Mitiamo and third-placed Newbridge in the last four rounds.
The Bears travel to Calivil, second last on the ladder, in the final round.
Newbridge held onto third spot with a comfortable win at home against Calivil, who remain second last on the ladder.
The Maroons won 62-49 after trailing by a goal at quarter-time.
Their 22 goals to 11 second quarter proved to be pivotal in the crucial victory.
Newbridge has a tough run home, facing Mitiamo, Bridgewater, Serp and Marong in the last four rounds as they try to hang on to the double chance in the finals.