The Ward Oval netball courts were quieter than normal on Saturday afternoon with the women’s B Grade players all having a general bye and only two A Grade games were played.
In what is always a fast paced, physical game, Divas took on a new look Pumpettes team in Round 2 of the A Grade competition.
Marnie Whitecross was outstanding in not only the defensive circle but mid-court also for Pumpettes.
Renee Matheson was assisted by Ellie Russell who shot and rebounded with accuracy for Pumpettes and after the first quarter, the scores were locked at 9-all.
Leading into half time Pumpettes were one up with Jo Carter controlling all ends of the court.
It wasn’t until the third quarter that the Divas managed to pull away with some great mid-court work by Summer Patterson, Jenna Fullagar and Cheryl Peatey.
A change in the Pumpettes’ shooting circle saw Brooke Brown move to Goal Shooter and, with a high level of accuracy, helped her side to close the margin to just four goals separating the teams.
In the final five minutes of the game, strong passing and control by Patterson into the Divas’ shooters ensured they were ahead on the final whistle and they won 49-41.
In the early A Grade game Sharpe Shooters took on a determined Sparks team who were coming off a loss last week.
Sparks started strongly and controlled the ball well at both ends of the court.
Johanna Strahl was rewarded for her consistent effort on court with Best and Fairest points while Lyndsay Klopper proved difficult for the Sharpe Shooters defenders to manage.
Sparks were winners 46-28 but, with only six players, Sharpe Shooters are on the improve each week.
Best for Sharpe Shooters were Kristen Camery and Carli Schulz, who both worked tirelessly at opposite ends of the court.
The match between Cougars and Opens wasn’t played.
With a general bye due to the Cobar Show this week, teams will be well rested coming into Round 3 of the competition.—contributed
