Good start secures Eagles win over Lyrebirds in EDNA

Nilma Darnum has jumped to the top of the A grade ladder after a good win over Yarragon on Saturday in round three of Ellinbank and District Netball Association.

With defender Nikki Mirams making scoring difficult for Yarragon, Nilma was simply too strong across the court and powered to three-straight wins, 62-20.

The closest game of the round was at Nyora, with the Saints hosting Neerim-Neerim South.

Neither side could pull away in this contest, with Nyora leading by two at quarter time, scores level at half-time and Nyora leading by two at the last break. 

It was the much-improved Nyora, currently undefeated and second on the ladder, who ended up victorious, 44-41.

Ellinbank’s midcourt reigned supreme as the Eagles jumped out of the blocks against Buln Buln to lead 15-5 at quarter time.  It was a fast tempo game with the Lyrebirds putting in a good third quarter.

However, the Eagles dominated the last quarter to win 61-30.

Catani and Lang Lang played out a great game, with the Blues using all their experience to hold out the Tigers 43-36 and jump back into the top five.

Molly Wells was accurate in goals for the Blues with 29 goals whilst Abbie Moriarty’s game gained praised.  Renalle Casey was back with 29 goals for the Tigers.

Little separated Longwarry and Poowong in the first half of their clash, the Crows up by one at half-time.

Amity Stephens and Hayley Mott impressed as Longwarry dug deep for a 19-13 third quarter to open a seven-goal lead.  Despite the efforts of Ash Snell as well as Ashlee Trimble shooting 42 of Poowong’s 50 goals, Longwarry maintained composure to win, 60-50.

In the high scoring contest, Longwarry’s young goaler Holly Stephens impressed with 46 goals.

Next week: Nilma Darnum v Neerim-Neerim South, Poowong v Yarragon, Lang Lang v Longwarry, Ellinbank v Catani, Nyora v Trafalgar.  Bye – Buln Buln.