By Justin Schwarze
Pakenham’s defence continues to be a brick wall this season as the Lions locked up Belgrave in the Outer East Netball Division 1 A Grade competition.
Pakenham only allowed 21 goals, bringing its season tally to just 82 goals against after four games.
The Lions used the strong defensive stand to rally and transition the ball into scoring opportunities, securing the 83-21 victory at home.
Emerging star Charlotte Hudolin was sensational for the hosts, converting 51 goals and applying pressure offensively.
The defensive style has long been Pakenham’s identity and it’s not news that Caitlin Cooke is difficult to score against.
Eliza Molino was also tremendous for the Lions, rounding out a deep and complete performance heading into the bye.
Seville moved to 4-0 after coming out on top in an absolute arm-wrestle against Warburton Millgrove.
The Burras led 27-28 at halftime before the Blues won the third and took a 39-36 advantage into the final intermission.
Seville was able to use its familiarity with its home court to squeeze out a 51-46 result.
Skipper Cleo Minney was fantastic both in her performance but also in her leadership.
After the game was deadlocked at the main break, Yarra Glen’s big second half pushed it past Yarra Junction.
The River Pigs bounced off the play of Lara Wandin-Collins, Elise Dobson and Jasmine Evans to outscore the Eagles 29-18 in the second half and clinch a 55-44 win at home.
Alexandra’s firepower led by Teagan Halligan, Ellie Hedger and Ashleigh Peers was too much for Powelltown to overcome.
The Rebels piled on more goals than the Towners in every term, finishing the game as 28-67 away victors.
In Premier Division A Grade, Emerald was handed its first defeat of 2025 in its visit to Wandin.
Brodie Smith, Jackie Cutting and Madison Taylor got cooking for the Bombers, but excellent play from Maddi Wallmeyer ensured the Bulldogs scraped out the 47-43 result.
Gembrook Cockatoo is still searching for its first scalp of the season after being dealt with at home by Olinda Ferny Creek.
Brylee O’Neil was at her usual brilliant best, while Rachel Williams and Mary Miles were standouts for the Brookers.
The Bloods mounted an impressive second half, getting the better of the hosts by outscoring them 15-25 to make sure of it.
The final scoreline read Olinda Ferny Creek with a 30-47 triumph.
ROC was no match for a competitive Mount Evelyn side, with failing to fire in the second quarter proving to be costly for the Kangaroos.
The Rovers grabbed the match by the throat in the second, outscoring ROC 4-16 on enemy territory.
Jade McGuire, Isabella O’Shanassy and Leah Mibus put in good performances but Mount Evelyn bagged the four points with a 25-62 win.
Monbulk was boosted by a big second term to get over Upwey Tecoma with the Hawks scoring 19 goals to the Tigers’ 10 in that frame.
Big output from Paige Whitworth, Nicole Macdowell and Stephanie Ferguson steered Monbulk on the road to a 55-64 victory.
Woori Yallock got its second win for the year by narrowly taking down Healesville at Don Road Sporting Complex 39-43.
The Tigers led at every break, spearheaded by Amber Thorn and Chelsea Smith.
Woori Yallock’s four-goal quarter-time lead proved to be crucial, as the clubs scored the same amount for the remainder of the game, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
