By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest won a vital game against Riddell in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday.
With both sides hoping to make finals, a win was important with a tough run home.
It was an even first quarter, before the Burras extended the lead to six goals at the main break.
They built on that foundation throughout the second half to win 54-34.
Burras coach Pam Strong said it was a great performance.
“I wouldn’t have thought it was a win by 20 goals,” she said.
“It was really high intensity and a skilled game.
“The first quarter was a bit frantic, but everyone settled into the game after that.”
Kathy Dicker scored 39 goals for the Burras, while fellow goaler Monika Dimovski was named their best.
Strong said having a consistent team on the court had been a key for them in the first half of the season.
“We’re really settled now and everyone is at training and we’re able to work on certain things.
“They’re still young kids, who are all 21-22 bar a couple, it doesn’t matter who we put on the court.”
While the fifth-placed Burras have had a consistent team so far, it will change in the coming weeks.
PHOTO GALLERY: Diggers Rest vs Riddell
A number of players are unavailable for several weeks in the run home.
Strong, who is heading to England for the netball world cup, will also miss a number of weeks.
Jorgia Leonard, who is returning from a broken foot and young goaler Mallie Whelan, will step up into the A-grade side to help out.
Strong said they should have everyone back for the last round, and finals if they make it.
The Burras are currently three games clear of Melton Centrals and Woodend-Hesket, both just outside the top six.
“We want to make the top six, that is the aim.
“We have Rupo this week and still have to play Macedon. I don’t think there’s any easy games.
“They will finish off the season, they are good enough. It’ll be an interesting few weeks.”
Strong said it had been a mixed year for their other sides. The B-grade side has struggled with injuries, their C-grade is third, while its a development year for their under-19s.
In other A-grade results, Melton Centrals continue to stay in the finals mix.
On Saturday, they beat Woodend-Hesket 50-35.
The Centrals got out to an early nine-goal lead, which stayed around that margin for the next two quarters.
In the last quarter Centrals were able to extend it out for a good win.
Rita White-Kay was named Centrals’ best for the game.
Rockbank had a tough day against Wallan, losing 51-29.
Olivia Burrows was named the Rams best.
Despite the loss, the Rams mathematically still remain in finals contention.
Rupertswood was the other winner, beating Broadford.
