Audrey Laffin looks to fire it by Kaycee Heaton. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Mathoura put in one of its better shifts of the season, while a sliding Picola United’s finals place is back in doubt after round 14 of Picola District Netball League.
Mathoura v Barooga
Jasmyne Banks searches for a target.
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Well off the pace for much of the year, Mathoura logged a competitive performance against Barooga at home, forcing the Hawks to fight hard for the four points.
It looked like it could be another disappointing day for the Timbercutters as they fell into an 11-5 hole by quarter-time, but the hosts had fight left in them this time around.
Tamara Miller and Kiera Mathers battle for the loose ball.
Mathoura clawed its way back into the contest with a 12-9 second quarter, cutting the lead to three at half-time and forcing Barooga into regroup mode at the main break.
The Hawks restored their quarter-time advantage over the third period, back up six at the final break and, after a strong earlier effort, Mathoura didn’t have the ability to recover a second time, going down 30-40 at the final siren.
Macie Free moves it through the midcourt
The Cutters will look to take the positive moments from this game into this week’s contest against the league’s other winless side, Blighty, in what looks like their best opportunity to break ther duck this season.
The two sides will clash at Blighty on Saturday.
Mia Nye claims possession under pressure from Rebecca McCluskey.
Katamatite v Picola United
Once looking a secure finals side Picola United’s fifth defeat in a row has left its hold on the top eight looking tenuous.
There was little between the Blues and opponent Katamatite at Katamatite Recreation Reserve, but after a neck-and-neck first half, the host broke away to score a 42-31 victory.
Jade Opray fires for goal.
The Tigers held a slight edge during the first half, but Picola remained right there with them as the home side took a 10-9 lead into quarter-time and a similarly meagre 21-19 advantage into the main break.
Picola fell off after the main break and Katamatite took full advantage, stretching the lead to eight at the final change and running away an 11-goal winner at full time.
Erica Smith and Ash Holt go after a loose one.
The Blues now lead Rennie and Barooga by four points, a win enough to draw either side level with three rounds to play.
Picola can take heart from its strong percentage, which should see it prevail in a tiebreaker situation.
The Blues face a difficult clash a home against fourth-placed Katandra this weekend, but will hope an easier final fortnight against Strathmerton and Katunga will see them secure the points needed to play finals.
