SWAN Hill have claimed top spot on the ladder just three weeks out from the finals, beating Balranald by 14 and pushing the Roos out of the top three.
“We were really excited about the opportunity to play Balranald going into the game,” Swan Hill playing coach Madeleine Nalder said.
“We knew we needed to put together a solid four quarters of netball.”
Playing through wind and rain, the Swans found themselves three goals ahead by the first break and never looked like they were going to give up their lead.
A solid third quarter cemented Swan Hill’s advantage, creating a lot of turnovers through defensive pressure as the Swans built a 10-goal lead. They kept up this intensity in the final quarter to grab the crucial win.
For Balranald, the loss could mean losing the cushion of a second-chance match and having to play elimination netball throughout the finals.
Swan Hill goal defender Mollie Quinn was among the best on court, holding her own against Balranald playing coach Jess Parry.
At the other end of the court, Swan Hill’s ever-reliable goal attack Ingrid Condely was also a standout, combining well with shooter Casey Frame to make the most of the turnovers coming from defence.
This week Swan Hill will travel to Tooleybuc to take on the Saints in a game they should comfortably win. Balranald will host Nyah-Nyah West United in another game that should result in a win for the Roos.
Final whistle
Swan Hill 48
Balranald 34
