THERE were some close and exciting games at the weekend across the Golden Rivers A Grade competition, with the premiership race tightening up between the top five teams.
Hay 59 d Ultima 56
THIRD-placed Hay took on second-placed Ultima, with the Lions claiming a three-goal win in a high-scoring affair.
After their loss to Macorna last round, the Lions came out firing, with Kellie Walker and Toni Rivett returning to the side after a six-week hiatus, with the pair proving to be far too strong for Ultima.
Walker shot 49 goals for the Lions, as Ultima’s Lou Frost and Bianca Brasser tried everything to stop the dominant goalie.
Ash Sanders put up a 38-goal performance for the Roos, but the home side ultimately come up short in the 59-56 loss.
After the result, Ultima and Hay are on equal points on the ladder, with both clubs desperate to lock in second place to ensure the double chance in finals.
Moulamein 39 d Macorna 38
WITH the winner taking fourth place on the ladder, both Moulamein and Macorna went head to head right down to the wire, the Swans narrowly defeating an in-form Tigers by one goal.
Moulamein got away to a great start with Jorja McDonald (23 goals) shooting accurately and Hannah Morton causing turnovers, but Macorna’s never-say-die attitude came back and at half-time, they were trailing by just two goals.
The third quarter proved mighty for the Tigers and they came in at the final break with a three-goal lead, with Morton moved to the midcourt as Maddy Gleeson was no match for Emmalea Wishart’s pace and smarts.
With Morton moving back into defence in the last quarter, the matchwinning decision was made.
The Swans shot accurately at goal when it mattered to overrun the Tigers 39-38 and ensure they remain in fourth ahead of the final two rounds of the season.
Murrabit 72 d Wandella 29
THE other game of the round held no surprises, with ladder leaders Murrabit defeating winless Wandella by 43 goals.
The Bombers tried all they could but struggled to score against the strong Murrabit defence.
Without Grace Gillingham, Murrabit’s 2023 premiership best-on-court winner Montannah Keating took over the goal shooter’s bib and shot a huge 43 goals against her old side.
Hayley Higgs was the dominant scorer for Wandella, who’s tough season continued as they again failed to shoot more than 30 goals for the game.
Eliza Perryman was again best on court for the Bombers, while Blues’ midcourters Steph Reeves and Lauren Morrow took out the honours for the Blues in the 72-29 victory.
