Netball
24 June, 2025
Rats relentless, Dimboola fight back
Dimboola overcame a slow start to earn four premiership points against Southern Mallee Thunder in a tight round nine WFNL contest.
Despite playing at home, it was the Thunder that looked to have all of the advantages, establishing a 19-10 lead at the end of the first break.
Hard work in the second quarter saw the Roos add 16 goals; however, the margin at the main break remained formidable at 32-26.
Needing some different looks in the front court, Dimboola moved Maddi Marra into goal attack, switched Olivia Beugelaar into goal shooter, and moved leading goal scorer Nicole Polycarpou to the bench.
The moves paid dividends, with the Roos cutting the deficit to just two goals. Dimboola went into the final break behind 41-39.
With momentum and the home crowd behind them, the Roos jumped ahead, scoring 19 goals while limiting SMT to 11.
At the final whistle, Dimboola's comeback was complete, winning 58-53.
Beugelaar finished with 31 goals from 38 attempts, achieving an 82 per cent accuracy rate. Marra added 11 (61%), and Polycarpou finished with 16 (80%).
Marra and winger Billie Barber were named best on court for the victors.
Thunder's Steph Thompson was valiant in defeat, scoring 36 goals (90%), earning a best on-court nod, while Emma Mill finished with 17 (71%).
Laney McLoughlan and Maggie Astbury helped Ararat defeat Nhill 62-43.
Playing in the third round of the WorkSafe Country Cup, both sides came out firing; however, it was the visitors who took an early 15-13 lead.
At the other end, the match-up between GD Paide Biddle and GA Ruby James gave the home side plenty to consider.
Biddle, the 2024 Mininera & District Netball Association best and fairest winner, helped thwart several attacking drives from the hosts, in turn creating attacking opportunities for Ararat.
A 15-10 second quarter saw Ararat build its lead to seven goals at the main break.
It was much of the same in the second half, with the Rats outscoring the Tigers in the third quarter 16-11, and then 16-9 in the last.
McLoughlan finished with 35 goals (74%) and Astbury added 27 (64%).
Nhill's James finished with 19 (76%), while Charlotte Foulds shot 21 (81%) in a best on court effort.
The win gives Ararat a four-point buffer over Southern Mallee Thunder.
Horsham easily accounted for Minyip Murtoa, winning 81-30.
Imogen Worthy topped the Demons' goal scorers with 47 goals (90%), while frontcourt teammate Georgia Batson added 34 (89%).
Jessica Newell was a shining light for the Burras, scoring 24 goals (77%) in a best on court performance.
Warrack Eagles scored its second win of the season with a comfortable 47-27 victory against Stawell.
The visitors held the lead for most of the game, except for three minutes in the first quarter, utilising their height to overcome the hosts.
Amber O'Connor and Nicola Clyne were formidable in the Eagles front court, hitting 27 (715) and 20 goals (77%), respectively.
Holly Graveson topped scored for the Warriors with 23 (74%).