HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR has maintained its unbeaten start to the Mininera and District Netball Association (MDNA) A grade season with a 21-goal win against Glenthompson-Dunkeld in wintry conditions on Saturday.

With consistent rain and a cold breeze, players got a preview of what conditions will be like through winter.

The opening quarter saw both teams play high quality netball and take their chances in attack, as the Rams edged out to a 13-9 lead at the first break.

From then on, the visitors dominated proceedings and went on to extend the lead out to 10 goals at half time.

The Rams continued to try hard, but the intensity was too much, with Hawkesdale-Macarthur going on to win, 55-34.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur coach, Maureen McGrath said the team was prepared for a tough game and weren’t underestimating the Rams on their home court.

“We were expecting a tough game even though the scores hadn’t gone Glenthompson-Dunkeld’s way in recent week,” she said.

“I am just happy for the girls to push through and get the win.

“It was our first proper wet game, at the start they were a bit unsure of their footing and we didn’t start as strong as we would have liked.”

Olivia Nield created multiple intercept opportunities with her pace across the court, as she played a pivotal role in defence.

McGrath said the defence worked well and she was impressed with Nield’s efforts.

“We swapped Rachael (McGrath) and Liv around and let Liv have a bit more freedom,” she said.

“It was one of those games early in the season, took us longer than Glenthompson-Dunkeld to settle into it.”

The attacking end was strong again, despite the conditions, giving the team confidence it can get full reward.

“They have gelled really well together, it has been good to have two definite goalies in the team,” McGrath said.

The Eagles have moved to 3-0 and sit second on the ladder, giving McGrath and the team added confidence.

“We have had to fight back and we have nearly got there or just made finals,” she said.

“This year we really wanted to start well and try and maintain it, and who knows what will happen in the future.”

Rams mentor, Nikki Lowe, would have been pleased with the way her team started the contest, matching the Eagles for much of the opening quarter.

It was a positive approach to the game and Lowe said it was another important learning experience for the team.

“Compared to our first game, we have definitely improved a lot,” she said.

“I think they were a little bit hesitant in the rain chasing the ball sometimes, but it will be good going forward to work through those things.

“It is a good learning curve for Chloe (Frost) and Liv (Olivia Anagnostou) and we will only improve.”

The team made a few positional changes during the game, and Lowe said it was about working out which combinations worked best for the team.

“Just trying to see what works for us, we have got lots of girls who can play in multiple positions,” she said.

Sarah Alderman put up 16 goals to top the Rams’ list, while Anagnostou was the team’s standout player.

Madison Kelly topped Hawkesdale-Macarthur’s goals with 36 and was named the Eagles’ best on court.

Other games

PENSHURST travelled to Tatyoon in the hopes of collecting a second win of the season, but the Hawks’ unbeaten season start to the season proved too much to overcome, as the Bombers lost the round three clash, 30-45.

The visitors trailed by five goals at the first break with the Hawks controlling the contest to claim a comfortable win at the final whistle.

Rachael Mibus was the main target in goals for Penshurst, scoring 24 goals, while Sinaed Hasell was the Bombers’ best.

Emma Inverarity topped Tatyoon’s goals with 26, while Amelia Rundle was named the home team’s best on court.

WOORNDOO-MORTLAKE travelled to Mininera to take on SMW Rovers and returned with a narrow six-goal victory.

The Tigers opened up a three-goal lead in the opening quarter, before an 11 goals to seven term saw the Bulldogs go into half time ahead on the scoreboard.

SMW Rovers continued to apply pressure, but the visitors found their rhythm and closed the gap with scores locked at 31-31 at the final change of ends.

It was the visitors who had the run in the legs to edge clear late in the game to win, 46-40.

Sarah Cameron impressed for the yellow and black with 24 goals, while Kate Jubb was the team’s standout player.

Daisy Walker scored 27 goals for the Bulldogs.

CARAMUT remains in touch with the top five after the Swans collected the points against Lismore-Derrinallum.

The home team went into the first break trailing, 7-9, but made some adjustments in the second quarter and put up 12 goals to six to grab the lead.

The second half saw Caramut’s dominance continue, as the Demons struggled to deal with the pressure and intensity with the margin pushed out to five goals at the last change of ends.

A 17-goal final quarter ensured the red and white got the win, holding off Lismore-Derrinallum, 41-28.

Carmel Meade top-scored with 21 goals for the winners, while Sophie Ballinger was the Swans’ best.

Georgina Fay was named the Demons’ best on court, while Anita Burchell put up 11 goals for the visitors.

ARARAT Eagles topped the scoreboard against Great Western in the final game of the round, winning 62-32.

An 18-goal opening quarter set up the win with the Lions unable to reel in the deficit.

A 13-goal half time lead gave Great Western motivation, but the visitors hung on to win by 30 goals.

Taryn Kelly was Ararat’s best player, with Kira Stapleton the team’s top-scorer with 36 goals.

Mollie Simpson put up 23 goals for Great Western, with Dana Humphrey the Lions’ best on court.