MELTON’S top-two prospects in Ballarat Netball League A-grade suffered a near-terminal blow on Saturday as North Ballarat City swept to a five-goal victory at MacPherson Park.
The Bloods will almost certainly have to settle for an elimination final after the 39-34 defeat.
PICTURE GALLERY: Melton v Nth Ballarat City
Melton can take some heart from the first half when it opened a six-goal half-time lead and held the advantage by one at the last change.
But a last-quarter charge led by Stacey McCartin and Krystal Whitty swept North City to victory. Jaclyn Fogarty was Melton’s best in the defeat.
In the weekend’s other matches, Darley lost 38-27 to East Point, Melton South lost 34-31 to Ballarat, and Lake Wendouree won 37-25 against Redan.
In Riddell District Netball League A-grade, Melton Centrals will head to the finals on a losing note after a 47-44 defeat against Romsey.
The Blues had won 15 straight but coughed up a one-goal lead at three-quarter time as Romsey inflicted their first defeat of the season.
Centrals have a bye in the last round and will find out their qualifying final opponent this weekend when Riddell Bombers play Sunbury Kangaroos in a clash of second against third.
