Baldivis’ netball squad moved within striking distance of the top four when they upset South Mandurah at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Friday.
The Brumbies headed into the match a game behind the Falcons on the standings, but the two sides are all square on a 4-4 record after the visitors were able to conjure a hot start paving their path to an upset win.
Baldivis opened with the hot hand taking a six-goal lead into the first break, which there were able to stretch to seven at half time.
South Mandurah needed a reply coming out of the break, but it was Baldivis that came out firing as they pushed their buffer to 12 goals by the three-quarter-time interval.
The Falcons came storming back into the contest in the fourth, but could do little to avoid a loss with the Brumbies winning 56-47 on the back of Maia Riddell’s 51 goals.
South Mandurah hold the advantage on the ladder with a better goal differential.
Meanwhile Waroona remain atop the table thanks to a 61-48 win over an admirable Mandurah.
The absence of star goal shooter Donnelle Wallam failed to daunt the Demons, who led at all breaks to secure their seventh win in eight games.
But despite Waroona’s stellar record through the opening half of the season, Pinjarra remains hot on their heels with their own 7-1 record.
The Tigers took care of business against Halls Head over the weekend, winning every quarter to remain in second spot with just the one loss on the year.
Rounding out the weekend’s action, Rockingham was able to take advantage of South Mandurah’s loss and move a game clear of the Falcons with a win of their own.
The Rams were emphatic in their 67-30 drubbing of Centrals, consolidating their claim on third spot.
Reserves
The Falcons fell a step further behind Rockingham on the ladder when their reserves were dealt a blow by Baldivis on the weekend.
The Brumbies took the win 56-53 in a nail-biter, handing Souths their second loss on the season and putting them two games behind the top-spot Rams, who toppled Centrals 62-20.
Waroona took down Mandurah 59-39 for their fifth win of the season, while Pinjarra was able to stay in touch with the top four after taking down Halls Head 48-34.
Open
The open ladder remains a three-way tie with Halls Head, South Mandurah and Rockingham all picking up wins that keep them even on 7-1 records.
Halls Head managed to cruise past Pinjarra 62-22, Rockingham pipped Centrals with a 50-35 victory and South Mandurah handed Baldivis a 62-19 drubbing.
The results keep each team tied atop the ladder, while Waroona sit just outside the top four after beating Mandurah 50-22.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
