THE Warrack Eagles have secured third spot on the Wimmera Netball Association ladder courtesy of a six-goal win over fourth-placed Dimboola Roos on Saturday.
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The final score saw the visitors run out 56-50 winners.
The two sides had already met twice in 2016. In round four the Eagles held on for a tight one-goal victory.
When the sides faced off in round 11, the pendulum swung the way of the Roos to the tune of an 18-goal win.
Just as those previous results had predicted, Saturday was another tight contest.
The third quarter proved decisive as Warrack turned a one-goal lead at half time into the eventual six-goal margin by the end of the term.
Dimboola coach Antoinette Toet said the side was not playing its best netball on Saturday.
“After halftime we made some changes that probably didn’t work,” she said.
“Having said that we know that we didn’t play very well.”
Toet said her side would need to be prepared for more physical games in the finals.
“That was at a higher level than last time,” she said.
“We need to start stronger and be more consistent.
“There were too many fades and we were only playing well in patches.”
Warrack came into the game on the back of a heavy loss against Minyip-Murtoa in round 14.
In that game the side was making too many mistakes and bad decisions.
Warrack coach Emma Koschitzke said securing third spot was a relief.
“I thought we played really well as whole,” she said.
“I think it was the most consistent we’ve played over four quarters for the year.”
Koschitzke said the side’s attacking play was particularly pleasing.
“The goalies were standouts,” she said.
“They were both shooting and moving well.
“Ella Bibby usually starts on the bench but she got us off too a good start with her shooting.”
In the final round of the season Dimboola will face seventh-placed Ararat.
The side sits equal with Stawell and the Horsham Saints on seven wins but retains fourth position because of a stronger percentage.
Stawell and the Saints face difficult tasks against Horsham and Minyip-Murtoa respectively, meaning Dimboola’s spot in the final five looks comfortable.
Warrack will host Nhill in a game that will have little impact on the final league standings.
“The main thing is to make sure we play well coming into finals,” Koschitzke said.
