DIMBOOLA’S finals hopes have been boosted after a narrow two-goal win over Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park on Saturday.
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The Roos led by one goal at the final change after trailing by the same margin at the major break, and held on for a 51-49 victory.
It sees them move into fourth place – a game and a half ahead of fellow finals hopefuls Horsham Saints and Stawell.
With a testing month ahead – against Minyip-Murtoa, Warrack Eagles, Horsham and Stawell – it was a pivotal win for the Roos.
Dimboola coach Tahlia Williams said she was pleased to come away with the points.
“It was fantastic to get over them again,” she said.
“It was hard-fought and the lead changed back and forward a few times, so I was proud of the girls to get up in the end.”
Williams said a change of tactics in the second half and some sharp-shooting from Billie Barber made a difference.
“After half-time we converted back to short sharp passes and really looking after the ball,” she said.
“Billie shot unbelievably – she barely missed – and Ant Toet was instrumental at wing attack with her talk and leadership on the court.”
Attacking duo Barber, 35 goals, and Stephanie Miller, 16 goal+, were named the Roos’ best.
Captain Courtney Clough impressed for the Saints alongside defender Erin Mellington, but it was a lost opportunity for the host to leapfrog the Roos on the ladder.
Horsham continued its perfect season with a 54-27 win over Warrack Eagles at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal.
Demons mid-court players Abbie Avery and Megan O’Connor starred, while shooter Briodi McKenzie and goal defence Penny Fisher were the best-performed Eagles.
Demons coach Zoe Heard said it was one of her side’s best performances this season.
“I was really happy with the girls at the weekend,” she said. “We definitely put in four quarters of netball and it was a whole team performance.
“Our midcourt – particularly through Megan, Abbie and Paige Lloyd – set us up, cutting the space, driving the ball down the court and making life difficult for their defenders.”
Megan Shea and Jakki Gibson impressed as Ararat enjoyed a thumping 38-goal win against Nhill at Davis Park.
The attacking duo had a field day in the Rats’ 68-30 win.
Emma Dickinson and Charlotte King were named the Tigers’ best.
Stawell returned to the winners’ list with a comfortable 47-34 win over Minyip-Murtoa at Central Park.
Maddison Jelly and Lisa Fleming were named the Warriors’ best, with Liza Cook, 26 goals, and Tahleah Haddow, 21, forming a potent combination.
Shooter Emma Huff, 22 goals, was named among the Burras’ best alongside Tegan Kerrins.
On Saturday, Warrack Eagles will look to rebound against a Nhill side still chasing its first win for 2014.
Minyip-Murtoa, which is also looking for its first win, will host Dimboola at Murtoa on Sunday.