The top-of-the-table netball clash lived-up to its billing as both teams had to scrap for goals in the defensive match.

But after leading by a goal at half-time, the Hawks held-off the determined Sandhurst to win 43-39 at Canterbury Park.

Sandhurst coach Jannaya Webb wasn’t disappointed after the defeat, believing her team had plenty of improvement left for finals.

“The girls certainly haven’t dropped their heads because they’ve beaten us twice this year. We’ve definitely got room for improvement,’ Webb said.

“We’re certainly not disappointed, they’re playing good netball at the moment so it was good to keep up with them for most of the match.

“It could go either way once we hit finals. It’s the same for the top four teams really.”

Fifth-placed Gisborne showed it could cause the top four teams headaches in the finals by defeating Kangaroo Flat 37-36 at Gardiner Reserve.

The third-placed Roos led by two goals at half-time, but the home team took a one-goal lead into the final quarter.

A tense final quarter only saw each team score five goals, with Gisborne’s Annabel Stewart netting the match-winner in the final 30 seconds.

It’s only the second time this season Gisborne has defeated another top-five team

“We know we can do it, it just depends who turns up for us on the day,” Gisborne coach Paige Rymer-Hamilton said.

Castlemaine won its third match of the season with a comfortable victory against the struggling Strathfieldsaye Storm.

The Magpies held a one-goal advantage at quarter time, but then extended its lead to five-goals at the main break.

Castlemaine put the foot down in the third term to open a double figure lead and eventually triumphed 53-45.

Katelyn Douglass was excellent in attack and scored 38 goals for the Magpies, while Lucy Morcom netted 23 goals for the Storm.

In yesterday’s match, Maryborough outpointed bottom-team South Bendigo 45-25.

The top-of-the-table netball clash lived-up to its billing as both teams had to scrap for goals in the defensive match.

But after leading by a goal at half-time, the Hawks held-off the determined Sandhurst to win 43-39 at Canterbury Park.

Sandhurst coach Jannaya Webb wasn’t disappointed after the defeat, believing her team had plenty of improvement left for finals.

“The girls certainly haven’t dropped their heads because they’ve beaten us twice this year. We’ve definitely got room for improvement,’ Webb said.

“We’re certainly not disappointed, they’re playing good netball at the moment so it was good to keep up with them for most of the match.

“It could go either way once we hit finals. It’s the same for the top four teams really.”

Fifth-placed Gisborne showed it could cause the top four teams headaches in the finals by defeating Kangaroo Flat 37-36 at Gardiner Reserve.

The third-placed Roos led by two goals at half-time, but the home team took a one-goal lead into the final quarter.

A tense final quarter only saw each team score five goals, with Gisborne’s Annabel Stewart netting the match-winner in the final 30 seconds.

It’s only the second time this season Gisborne has defeated another top-five team

“We know we can do it, it just depends who turns up for us on the day,” Gisborne coach Paige Rymer-Hamilton said.

Castlemaine won its third match of the season with a comfortable victory against the struggling Strathfieldsaye Storm.

The Magpies held a one-goal advantage at quarter time, but then extended its lead to five-goals at the main break.

Castlemaine put the foot down in the third term to open a double figure lead and eventually triumphed 53-45.

Katelyn Douglass was excellent in attack and scored 38 goals for the Magpies, while Lucy Morcom netted 23 goals for the Storm.

In yesterday’s match, Maryborough outpointed bottom-team South Bendigo 45-25.