By Justin Schwarze
Emerald has soared to second place in Outer East Premier Division Netball after keeping its perfect record unblemished with a 77-32 win over Gembrook Cockatoo on Saturday.
At home, co-skipper Mackenzie Fox guided the troops in the Anzac Round brilliantly to pile on 21 goals in the first term.
The defence also stood tall, with Casey Rhodes-Anderson standing her ground and only allowing eight goals in the first and just 32 for the game.
At halftime, Emerald had increased the margin to 20 goals; the score line reading 38-18.
Another 20 goal quarter followed the break, as the hosts dominated the third frame 20-6.
Jackie Cutting converted 36 goals for the match and the Bombers are now 3-0, allowing the second-fewest goals in the competition.
Brylee O’Neil did a lot of the heavy lifting offensively for the Brookers, scoring 25 of the team’s 32 goals.
Mary Miles and Jordan Leskie were also noteworthy, putting in solid performances across the court for the visitors.
ROC wasn’t able to rebound from a poor third period, going down to Woori Yallock 55-45 on the road.
The game was tight at 27-23 at halftime, with the Tigers barely in front, but the hosts won the third 15-7 to grab a firm grasp of the match.
A small run from the visitors saw them finish the game strongly and take the fourth 13-15, but fell short.
Courtney Davey continued her impressive form for the Kangaroos, while Ella James and Jade McGuire were also fantastic in defeat.
The loss places ROC in fifth after three rounds with one win and two losses.
On Anzac Day, Upwey Tecoma visited and overpowered Olinda Ferny Creek in an interesting matchup.
The game was knotted at quarter time, before the Tigers had their noses in front 21-26 at the main break.
A great third and fourth quarter effort steered the visitors to a 34-50 result.
Wandin got the upper-hand on Monbulk in the second and didn’t look back.
The Bulldogs scored 22 goals in the second term to just the Hawks’ 10 to enter the intermission with a 39-24 advantage.
When the final whistle went, Wandin had claimed a 49-72 win away at Monbulk.
Emmalia Blake poured in 39 goals and Lauren Spinks and Maddi Wallmeyer did a great job orchestrating the entry to her.
Mount Evelyn solidified its place on top of the ladder by securing a 59-35 result over Healesville.
The Rovers ran riot on their home court in the opening term, outscoring the Bloods 20-5.
Ava Upton was fantastic, with Ella Bayliss and Kaila Swindell providing excellent support for the hosts.
Mount Evelyn has only allowed 88 goals through its first three games as the defence has displayed its ability to lock down opponents and set the tone in matches.
In Division 1, Pakenham cruised to yet another dominant win, outlasting Alexandra 25-75.
The Lions travelled up north to face the Rebels, and sparked a second quarter demolition job by winning the term 2-21.
Pakenham is firmly on top of the table, with three convincing triumphs so far in 2025.
Seville maintained its place as a close competitor by routing Belgrave 26-81 on the road.
Warburton Millgrove got its second win of the year off the bye by handling business against Yarra Junction 46-25.
Yarra Glen was too good for Yea, as the River Pigs rode a great second frame to walk away with the 38-60 win.
Powelltown had the bye.
