A strong second half has helped Melton move into week two of the Ballarat Netball League finals.
Playing North Ballarat City on Sunday, the Bloods went into half-time of their elimination final with scores level, but they took control after the main break. With Melissa McCauley and Brooke Gleeson in goals, Melton outscored City by nine in its 54-45 win.
The Bloods will now take on Sunbury in a semi-final this week with the winner of that match guaranteed a place in the grand final.
Meanwhile, in other netball results, Melton Centrals missed out on a direct path into the Riddell District Netball League A-grade grand final after going down to Riddell by seven goals on Saturday.
PICTURE GALLERY: BNL | Melton v North Ballarat City
Centrals fell behind early in the contest and went into quarter-time two goals down.
From there, Riddell was able to extend or maintain its lead.
The 47-40 win is the third time Riddell has beaten Melton Centrals this season.
Centrals’ coach Randy Pereira was disappointed his side wasn’t able to capitalise on its chances.
“All credit to Riddell,” he said. “They have beaten us three times this year. We were obviously keen to beat them this time around, but we made it tough for ourselves.
“We missed about 14 shots, which is uncharacteristic for us.”
Melton Centrals was well led by Jessica May, who was named her side’s best player in her first match for three weeks after being out injured.
Melton Centrals now take on Romsey, which beat Rupertswood in a semi-final on Sunday. The winner of that match will square off against Riddell in the grand final.
Pereira is confident his team has what it takes to get back on the winners’ list.
“If we improve about 10 per cent then we ‘ll probably win the game,” he said. “Sometimes we just need to pick the right option.”
