Travelling to Merrigum Recreation Reserve, the Towners were locked in a fierce contest from the opening bounce, but prevailed 15.8 (98) to 13.10 (88) to notch win number three for the year.
It was the Bulldogs that got the jump on Saturday, leading by two points into the first break after both sides booted four goals in the opening term.
But the Towners had the upper hand by half-time, again slotting four goals in the second term while restricting Merrigum to three, overturning the quarter-time deficit to lead by four points at the main break.
It was a strong third term from Violet Town that put them in the box seat to take away the four points, as they came out roaring after half time to stretch the margin to 22 points by three-quarter time, leading 77 to 55 with just one term to play.
While the Bulldogs fought back hard, the Towners did enough to weather the storm and hold on for the win, prevailing by 10 points in a thoroughly entertaining contest.
Ashly Hobbs continued his strong run of form booting six goals in the win as Violet Towns best, although he was outdone by his Merrigum counterpart Darcy Collins, who booted seven for the Bulldogs.
The Towners face a stern test in round six when they host Lancaster, the two sides sitting fifth and fourth on the ladder, respectively, although the Wombats will be smarting after yet another one-point loss to Shepparton East.
The reserves were outclassed in a 1.3 (9) to 24.18 (162) demolition, although Caine Atkinson was valiant to be named the Towners’ best.
Netball
A Grade
Merrigum 40 defeated Violet Town 34
The Towner’s gameplay is definitely improving each week and becoming noticeably smarter. It’s clear they’re starting to make more thoughtful decisions on court and trying to implement strategies from training into their matches.
There was some really strong movement around the ring this week, creating good space and shooting opportunities.
Defensively, the team also put on some great pressure down the court, working hard to slow the opposition and turn the ball over.
Although the result didn’t go their way, the signs of progress are clear and their games are incredibly competitive. Awards went to Melanie Humphries and Maddie Gottschling.
In other results, Violet Town’s B grade side went down 26 to 40 to the Doggies, with Hannah Sharp and Ash Antonis among the best, while C grade got up for a big 44 to 27 win, the side’s second this season after almost five years without victory, led by Ash Bertoli and Brianna Cotchin.
C Reserve fell 19 to 35 against a strong Merrigum outfit, with Georgia McLean among the best, as was Mikaela Dunn in her 150th club game, while the under-17 side fell 29-33 in a tight contest, Lilliana Williams and Alexis Kloot the best on court.
The under-15 side was outclassed by Merrigum, going down 13-30, while the under-13’s claimed their first win over the year with a 13-10 triumph.
