Two straight for Rupertswood against Diggers Rest

Abby Gillmore puts up a shot on Saturday. Pic Marco De Luca

By Tara Murray

Rupertswood made it two wins in as many weeks against Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Netball League.

In a rare occurrence, the Sharks and Burras faced off against each other in successive games, due to Lancefield and the Sunbury Kangaroos not having A-grade teams.

It was the Sharks who again claimed the points, with a 48-39 win.

The Sharks took the lead early in the first quarter and led by six goals at quarter time.

They were able to increase the margin to 10 goals at half time and 16 goals at the last break.

Both sides made a few changes in the last quarter, with the Burras finishing the game on a good note, winning the last quarter 16-9.

Hayley Mathews was the pick of the shooters for the Sharks with 32 goals from 35 attempts.

Defender Beck Anstey was named the Sharks best.

Kathie Dicker, who shots 31 goals for the Burras and was named their best.

Both sides had some B-grade players take to the court, with Mallie Whelan and Erin Mitchell getting court time for the Burras, while Rebecca Said and Niamh Vahland both played for the Sharks.

Only two other matches were played in the first weekend of the split round.

Romsey pushed Macedon for most of the game, before the Cats came away with a 51-35 win.

The Cats led at every break, but the margin didn’t push out until the last quarter.

Chloe Wilson shot 36 goals for the Cats, while Chelsea Ross was the main shooter for the Redbacks shooting 24 goals.

Monique Clark, who normally plays in defence for the Redbacks, played in goal shooter, showing the Redbacks flexibility.

Woodend Hesket made it two wins in a row, with a hard fought win against Broadford.

Heading into a match as favourites, the Hawks looked to have the match in their control at three quarter time, leading by 10 goals.

The Kangaroos responded in the final quarter, with one of their best quarters for the season, but it wasn’t enough falling short.

The Hawks won 49-45.

Madeline Staresina scored 27 goals for the Hawks, with defender Alexandra Watkins named their best.

Kate Berger shot 28 goals for the Kangaroos, with Natalie Fletcher named their best.