By Justin Schwarze
Pakenham Lions Netball Club put a week off to good use as the refreshed outfit dominated Yarra Junction at home in Outer East Division 1 A Grade.
After leading 15-8 at quarter time, the hosts took firm control by dominating the second term 15-3 to take a strong 30-11 advantage into halftime.
Caitlin Cooke continued her pedigree of top-tier play while Eliza Molino and Evie Drake were fantastic in guiding Pakenham to the result.
Charlotte Hudolin celebrated her 18th birthday with a fine performance in the circle, scoring 37 goals to lead the Lions to a 67-25 triumph.
Seville kept up its winning ways through Taylah Werner’s 53-goal effort.
The Blues thrashed Yea 81-19 at home with Ashlyn Elliott, Genesis Foster-Jonassen and Taylah Milne also starring in the win.
This brings Seville to a perfect 6-0 record with no signs of slowing down.
Warburton Millgrove made light work of Alexandra, cruising at home to grab a 68-16 victory.
On the road, Belgrave utilised a strong first half to run over Powelltown 31-66.
The Magpies led 13-33 at the main break, being led by Annaliese Carrol, Naomi Hargreaves and Maddie Woosnam.
Fourth-placed Yarra Glen had the bye.
In the top flight Premier Division, Emerald bounced back to post a very solid win over ROC.
The Bombers put together a strong first stanza, jumping out to a 16-7 quarter time buffer.
The second was even, with both teams scoring 14 to leave the halftime score at 30-21.
Out of the huddle, Emerald shifted into another gear and took over to quickly put the game out of reach.
The Bombers took the third 19-5 and rode the momentum to seal a 56-38 success.
Casey Rhodes-Anderson, Jackie Cutting and Alice Paget combined well in standout performances to charge Emerald’s surge.
The club now moves back into the top four with a record of 4-2.
For the Kangaroos, Mitzi Henry was at her best, while Isabella O’Shanassy and Jade McGuire provided fantastic output despite the loss.
ROC will search to regain form after falling to seventh and losing three out of its last four.
Upwey Tecoma was able to overpower Gembrook Cockatoo away 31-55.
The Brookers got a lift from Bianca Nagel, Carla Crowley and Jordan Leskie, who all put in valiant efforts in defeat.
Mount Evelyn’s exceptional start to 2025 continued in round six, with the Rovers now 6-0 after edging out Olinda Ferny Creek 59-26 at home.
The defence stood tall, holding the Bloods to single-digit scoring terms for three of four quarters.
Monbulk marched into second place by defending home court and downing Woori Yallock 58-47.
Paige Whitworth, Jamie Clark and skipper Stephanie Ferguson were all instrumental in getting the Hawks over the line.
At Wandin Recreation Reserve, the Bulldogs coasted to a wire-to-wire 71-40 victory over Healesville.
Claudia Semos, Maddi Wallmeyer and Maddy George sparked the run for hosts.
The win gets Wandin to third with five wins and one loss on the season.
