It was a weekend of shock for Pakenham as the Lions lost their first game of the season against a strong Warburton Millgrove side in round eight of the Outer East Division 1 A Grade Netball competition.
The Burras were hot out of the gates at home, jumping to a 18-6 quarter time advantage before Pakenham settled and drew closer before halftime.
At the main break, the hosts were still in front 25-17.
In the second half, Warburton Millgrove stood up and answered the call, taking both quarters comfortably to cruise to a 54-36 win.
Caitlin Cooke was at her best, while Eliza Molino and Lara Goodman Hancock were also very impressive for the Lions.
At Belgrave Reserve, the Magpies were knocked off 42-48 by the visiting Yarra Junction thanks to Tayla McCormack, Jade Rogers and Stephanie Ratcliff.
Alexandra just edged out Yea 55-48 as Jorja Gesler led the way with a standout performance of 38 goals.
Yarra Glen coasted to a comfortable 24-62 victory over Powelltown on the road.
Despite having a bye, Seville moved to first place on the table with Pakenham’s loss.
In the top flight, Emerald’s highly impressive run continued, dominating the visiting Upwey Tecoma 68-39.
After leading 34-18 at halftime, the Bombers strung together a complete performance to roll in the second half and get the big result.
Brodie Smith was fantastic and skipper Casey Rhodes-Anderson contributed yet another captain’s performance in defence.
Alice Paget was also noteworthy in midcourt, controlling the tempo for now third-positioned Emerald.
ROC couldn’t quite bounce back and fell short in a close affair away at Healesville.
Trailing by just one score 28-27 at halftime had the Kangaroos in a good spot, but the hosts responded to take the third and a five-goal advantage into the final break.
The Bloods stood tall to claim the fourth 18-14 and drag out the 59-50 result.
Skipper Isabella O’Shanassy scored 33 goals and was sublime for ROC, while Jade McGuire and Jessica Postregna supported her well in defeat.
Gembrook Cockatoo was overwhelmed by an elite Wandin side at home, going down 82-43.
Bianca Nagel played well for the Brookers and Rachel Williams and Brylee O’Neil were also strong performers in the loss.
Mount Evelyn stayed undefeated in the club’s Ladies Day, overpowering Monbulk 49-32.
The Hawks led at the first change before the Rovers took control and were forceful for the remainder of the game.
In a shootout at Woori Yallock Reserve, the Tigers got the four points against Olinda Ferny Creek 50-47.
The visiting Bloods snatched a 14-16 quarter time advantage before Woori Yallock jumped back in front 27-26 at the main intermission.
The hosts slightly extended their cushion to four goals at the final break, before riding out the victory.
With eight rounds down, Mount Evelyn’s unblemished record has it on top, while Wandin sits behind in second.
Emerald lies in third, while Monbulk and Woori Yallock round out the top five.
ROC and Gembrook Cockatoo have a lot of work to do, currently placed ninth and tenth respectively.
