KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- City West Falcons have secured the minor premiership following a 13-goal win over Melbourne University Lightning. The Falcons were almost back to full strength with the return of Montana Holmes from Mavericks commitments, and injected Olivia Cameron to replace NSW Swifts-bound goaler Uneeq Palavi. The versatile goal attack Cameron (10 goals, 91%) slotted in nicely with her creative feeds and partnered well with Jane Cook (55 goals, 92%). Lightning defender Maggie Caris picked off plenty of ball in the circle, however the Falcons attack was too strong, leading at every break.
- The Geelong Cougars have saved their season with an incredible fourth quarter effort to get the win over North East Blaze. With scores tied in the final quarter, defender Brooke Allan pulled off multiple match-saving intercepts to push Cougars into a nine-goal run, and seal the victory 59-49.
- Second-placed Boroondara Express have made a lucky escape against eighth-placed Bendigo Strikers. The tight battle between Victorian Fury representatives Bella Hodgson and Charlotte Sexton kept both sides in play for the whole match. But it was Express who held on to a two-goal victory as nerves wobbled the hands of both teams’ goalers in the frantic final minutes.
23&Under
- Melbourne University Lightning have solidified their spot in finals after a blistering final quarter against City West Falcons. With their finals hopes still alive, the Falcons held control for most of the match, but began to falter as Lightning defenders Charlee Kemp and Dayna Williams disrupted the attack. Goalers Kate O’Dwyer (30 goals, 88%) and Emma Winfield (18 goals, 90%) spearheaded the final quarter momentum shift to deliver Lightning an 11-goal victory.
- North East Blaze shooter Olivia Cawthray starred in their 13-goal win over the Geelong Cougars with 52 goals at 91% accuracy. The goaler’s form will be crucial in their finals run and will be tested again next week against second-placed Lightning.
RESULTS
Championship
Boroondara Express (51) vs (49) Bendigo Strikers
Hawks Netball (71) vs (51) Western Warriors
Geelong Cougars (59) vs (49) North East Blaze
MU Lightning (52) vs (65) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (49) vs (82) Casey Demons
** WS Southern Saints BYE
23&Under
WS Southern Saints (49) vs (45) Gippsland Stars
Boroondara Express (63) vs (44) Bendigo Strikers
Hawks Netball (68) vs (42) Western Warriors
Geelong Cougars (52) vs (65) North East Blaze
MU Lightning (63) vs (52) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (51) vs (35) Casey Demons
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Will remain undisclosed for the final four rounds
NEXT UP – ROUND 21
FIXTURE
Wednesday 10 July
State Netball Centre, Parkville
Gippsland Stars vs Geelong Cougars (23&U only – Championship BYE)
Peninsula Waves vs Bendigo Strikers
North East Blaze vs MU Lightning
Waverley Netball Centre, Glen Waverley
WS Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express
Stonnington Sports Centre, Malvern East
Hawks Netball vs Casey Demons
Altona Sports Centre, Altona
City West Falcons vs Western Warriors
