THREE out of the four South West District Netball League A grade match ups were decided by 11 goals or less on Saturday, reflecting the closeness of the competition this season.

Westerns d Coleraine

Westerns was able to demonstrate its versatility on Saturday to defeat Coleraine, 52-47.

The Roos were without some critical components of their side including Maddie Stone and Sienna Stone with the side taking some time to work into the game.

Coleraine held an early lead, making the most of their connection on court to convert, despite being without the services of goal attack Holly Langley.

Just one goal in the Maroons favour opened the door for Westerns to settle in the third term and convert through the consistent attack of Kayla Pickert who was dominant under post.

Westerns held a four-goal lead heading into the final term where the game opened up for both sides.

Coleraine worked to stunt Westerns’ attack, but the Roos held their composure late to finish with a five-goal win.

The win for Westerns puts them on the same ladder points as Coleraine in fourth place, one win behind Heathmere and two wins ahead of Cavendish in sixth.

Heywood challenges Meres

HEATHMERE locked in a close win against Heywood on Saturday, 51-43, with the Lions putting out one of their best performances for the season despite the loss.

It has been a tough season for Heywood who have only finished with one win so far and while they were without key play maker Rhi Davis they were able to find some quality and consistent passages of play to match it with top contenders in Heathmere.

It was a strong start for the Meres who continue to be a formidable attacking unit as they pushed out to a 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Heywood matched their opponents in the second quarter with Tiarna Keegan and Nadia Rose connecting well in attack to bring the margin back to five goals.

The third quarter was another win for the Lions who continued to stay composed to convert another 12 goals and win the quarter, 12-11.

The four-goal margin kicked the Meres into gear in the fourth quarter, who lifted in their pressure across the court and closed out the game with a big effort to push the lead back out and claim the win.

Giants rectify slow start

DARTMOOR built into its game against Cavendish after the Bloods matched the reigning premiers for a half before going down, 58-47.

Cavendish found a better connection than their previous matches as they were able to work the ball with less error and find consistent targets in Marni Luhrs and Neve McClure.

The first half was even with both sides sitting at 28-all at the main break.

Dartmoor lifted in the third term with their defensive efforts stifling the Bloods attack to limit them to nine goals and convert 14 of their own to gain a five-goal lead.

The last quarter was the most dominant for the Giants as they found their rhythm on court to push the margin out to 11 goals.

The win for Dartmoor puts them two games clear in second place on the ladder while Cavendish are still in sixth place.

Darras lock in big win

TYRENDARRA recorded a big win against Branxholme-Wallacedale on Saturday, 70-22.

It was a slow start for both sides as they took time to work into the wet conditions and find efficient play into attack.

The Darras settled earlier with some defensive intercepts through the midcourt from Rachel Hansen and Ella Smith allowing them to push ahead 16-4.

The Saints opened up in their attack with Meegan Pepper offering an accurate target at post, piling on 10 goals for the side in the second term.

Tyrendarra lifted in the second half with their speed through court allowing them to post a solid total and run away with the win.