SOUTH BENDIGO's relentless defensive pressure was more than enough to contain Golden Square on Saturday afternoon at Wade Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bloods hit the ground running on the Bulldogs' turf and led at each quarter to secure the comfortable 37-goal win.
"I couldn't be happier as it was such a great performance from the girls," Bloods coach Janelle Hobbs said.
"They started strong and continued for the full four quarters which is an aspect of the game we've been focusing on.
"We took the lead and continued to build as the game progressed. A very good result for the team."
The four points has secured the Bloods in fourth position on the ladder after the performance which Hobbs said was a prime example of teamwork.
"It takes a full-team performance to be able to win by 37 goals," she said.
"However, our defensive pressure across the whole court was amazing as we picked up so many turnovers throughout the match which we were able to convert.
"There was also great shooting.
"Overall we didn't let Square get into the rhythm of playing the game their way.
"I am so pleased we didn't rest on our laurels and from the way the girls played it was hard to tell we'd missed a few weeks."
Gisborne coach Tarryn Rymer was also impressed with her squad's ability to get back to its prime with a 50-goal win over Kyneton at Gardiner Reserve.
"The time we had off was a little bit of a hinderance, but the girls just got on with it on Saturday and didn't look as if they missed any netball thanks to all the hardwork they've done in-between rounds," she said.
One challenge for the Bulldogs was replacing three of the team's main goallers who were unable to play due to restrictions.
"We are lucky in the fact that we have plenty of depth in both our A-Reserve and under-17 teams who were up to the task and able to help fill these positions," Rymer said.
Bulldogs' scoring pressure didn't lapse for a second as the team lead from start to finish, final scores 74-24.
"We started on a roll but then dropped off a little bit during the middle of the game, but towards the end we had fresher legs compared to Kyneton," she said.
"Massive credit to Kyneton as they had so many girls missing from both the A-Grade and Reserves and they still managed to play both games."
Meanwhile, reigning premier Sandhurst had a convincing 25-goal win over Eaglehawk at the QEO.
Dragons put the scoring pressure on the Hawks from the outset and didn't let up for the entirety of the game.
Leading comfortably at each break the Dragons were able to contain their opponents to notch the 62-37 victory.
It was a similar story at Princess Park where ladder-leader Kangaroo Flat scored a 39-goal win over Maryborough.
Roos maintained control with strong shooting to defeat the Magpies and assert their spot as the season's benchmark squad, final scores 62-23.
Ladder
- Kangaroo Flat 6-0-1 26
- Gisborne 5-0-1 26
- Sandhurst 5-1 24
- South Bendigo 4-2 20
- Eaglehawk 2-4 12
- Kyneton 2-4 12
- Strathfieldsaye 1-5 8
- Maryborough 1-5 8
- Golden Square 1-5 4
SPORT NEWS: