BNL: Melton stays in touch as top five widen gap

THERE was no room for error on Saturday as the top five in Ballarat Netball League A grade all posted wins.

The gap between the best and the rest is starting to open as North Ballarat City (36 points), East Point (36), Melton (32) and Sunbury (30) pull away from the competition, with Redan (26) the middle-marker ahead of the pack chasing sixth spot, headed by Lake Wendouree (20).

Melton remains within a game of top spot after seeing off Sebastopol with a comfortable 42-26 win on Saturday.

Melissa McCauley was the go-to Melton goaler with 34, while Amy Conroy, Krista Woodroffe and Jaclyn Fogarty starred.

Bacchus Marsh challenged North Ballarat City but couldn’t get the win it needed to hold on to a top-six spot, losing 40-32.

Sunbury stormed past Ballarat 67-19, while East Point overcame a slow start to beat Lake Wendouree 56-36. Darley fell a game and percentage off finals pace (16 points) on Sunday with its loss against Redan. The Devils never recovered from a slow start, going on to lose 46-24.

In Riddell District Netball League A grade, Melton Centrals made it 11 straight wins as the unbeaten ladder leader downed reigning premier Macedon 49-33. Diggers Rest missed a chance to keep the race for sixth separated by half a game, losing to Rupertswood by six goals.

Around the courts, Romsey beat Broadford 67-33, Riddell Bombers beat Wallan 67-23, and Lancefield beat Woodend Hesket 39-34.