By DAVID NAGEL
PAKENHAM’s hopes of securing a top-three position have received a major boost after the Lions came from six goals behind in the third quarter to secure a thrilling 34-34 draw with second-placed Hampton Park at Robert Booth Reserve.
The Lions worked their way to the front in the dying seconds but a whistle-beater by the Redbacks tied things away to give the competition its third draw of the season.
The Lions have their destiny in their own hands now, having played both Narre Warren and the Redbacks for a second time, having a clear run to the finish line against teams that sit below them.
Lions’ coach Kerry Twyford concedes that Saturday’s two points could be very handy at the end of the season.
“The competition is so tight this year, the netball is fantastic, so to get that double-chance is going to be so important come finals time,” Twyford said.
The Lions came out firing, and finished strongly, but the Redbacks dominated the middle stages of the match.
Chloe Birch and Cathy Leeves helped the home side to 20 goals in the second and third terms, while the Redbacks’ defence, led by Kim Coulson, Zoe Ryde and Jemma Franken held the Lions to just 13 through the same period of play.
It left the Lions needing a lift, three goals down at the final break, and some of their stars responded.
Meaghan Winter, Lauren Lenders, and the steady shooting-hand of Rachel Priestly, saw the Lions produce their best output of the match, 11 goals to seven, to lock things away at the final whistle.
It’s a scary thought, but ladder-leader Narre Warren just seems to be getting better and better – as emphasised by its crushing 68-25 victory over Berwick at Kalora Park.
The Magpies tripled the score of the Wickers in every quarter of the match except the second, where 12 goals to eight was clearly the most competitive stage of the match.
Goal-scorer Elly Stewart was sensational under the ring for the winners, who showed their depth by playing skipper Leigh Taylor, Tayla Shannon and Courtney Phelps after half time only.
Cranbourne’s dream of playing finals is still well and truly alive after a comfortable 54-26 victory over Tooradin at Westernport.
The Eagles were consistent with their scoring throughout the match, but their defence, led by Tara Cecil and Alanah Hardy, really ramped things up in the second quarter, allowing the Seagulls just a solitary goal for the quarter.
A free-flowing Doveton is back inside the top five after a 66-38 blitz against ROC at Robinson Oval.
The Doves have scored, and are averaging, more goals than any other side in the competition this season, and that has to make them a threat.
The Kangaroos finals hopes are now kaput, especially with a tough run that includes the top-three sides to round out their season.
