By Carli Mitchell
IN THE most exciting match of the A-Grade division one round, Monbulk held off a persistent Wandin in a 35-33 thriller.
For most of the game the two teams could barely be separated as they went goal for goal but in the end Monbulk broke clear giving its confidence a boost in time for finals.
Playing at Warburton, Olinda Ferny Creek struggled against the higher-ranked side. Its goalers had to lower their colours to Warby’s defenders in a good win for the home side 46-19.
Heading into round 13 still undefeated, Mount Evelyn hosted Gembrook Cockatoo. Despite the cold conditions, the reigning premiers dominated the game from the beginning, with Kate Youlten almost unstoppable in goals.
The final score was 65-25 but Gembrook Cockatoo showed promising signs for such a young team with glimpses of exciting play.
In another exciting match, Upwey Tecoma travelled to Healesville and having drawn the last time these two teams met, the four points were crucial heading into finals.
Precise passing was key to this game, as it was turnovers that cost the home side. Healesville went down to Upwey Tecoma 33-44.
Woori Yallock had the bye.
In division two Emerald defeated Alexandra at home in a one-sided game, further cementing its finals spot.
From the beginning the home side was on song, with accurate shooting and strong defence, and it won comfortably, 54-18.
In a top-of-the-table clash, Yea travelled to Powelltown and the reigning remained undefeated, despite Yea putting up a good fight for much of the game.
Powelltown was simply better. Its centre court players are almost unstoppable once they get going and it won 59-38.
Belgrave travelled to Thornton Eildon and, despite showing signs of improvement, lost 36-54.
With both sides playing better netball over recent weeks, it was always going to be fascinating to see who would take the points but Thornton Eildon proved much better throughout the centre court.
Yarra Junction hosted Kinglake and celebrated a comfortable 32-11 win. Cementing a top-five spot, the win came at a good time with finals on the horizon.
Seville played Yarra Glen at home for a comfortable win. Proving it was a true contender, Seville dominated from the start to win 70-9.
