Tara Murray
Melton has been aiming to take a scalp all season and finally got it on Saturday against cross town rival Melton South in the Ballarat Netball League.
The Bloods, who haven’t beaten the Panthers in a few seasons in the A-grade competition, led at every break on Saturday.
The game was on the line at three quarter time with the Bloods leading by one goal heading into the final quarter.
With about two minutes the Bloods knew they had done enough and eventually won, 46-40.
Bloods coach Nichole Gleeson was thrilled with the result
“We were pretty stoked,” she said. “They beat us at the start of the season by 21 goals.
“It’s a testament to the way we’ve been progressing over the season, we were finally able to convert on the scoreboard.
“It’s been later than we would have liked but we’ve finally got there.”
Gleeson said the playing group had massive inroads this season and had decreased the gap on the top sides.
The Panthers entered the match in third spot while the Bloods were in 10th spot with two wins for the season.
Gleeson said they played in tough conditions for a second straight week.
“It was wet,” she said. “The rain held off for us but it was still a wet court.
“It was a slow but fast game but it was much better than the week before. We played with a heavy ball.”
Gleeson said she asked for how long was left on the clock there was two minutes left. She realised then they’d done enough to get the win and did a little happy dance.
Kimberly Philipps shot 41 goals for the Bloods.
Akira McCormack put up 31 goals for the Panthers.
The Bloods have moved up to ninth on the ladder and the Panthers have now slipped to fourth on the ladder.
Gleeson said they were hoping they could maybe get another scalp on the run home.
“We’ve been playing top five teams the last few weeks,” she said. “We have another two strong teams to come.
“It would be great to get another win and I know that the girls can do it.
“You only have to look at the scoreboard to see how good they are going. We are definitely on the right track.”
Elsewhere, Darley had a 62-33 win against Sebastopol.
The three Devils goalers shared the goals around with Olivia Cawthray putting up 26 goals.
It was a tough day for Bacchus Marsh losing to North Ballarat, 72-22.
