South Demons have returned to the top of the WA Netball League ladder with a 52-50 round nine win over Western Roar.
The top-of-the-table clash lived up to its billing, with both teams trading goals in a fast-paced opening half and neither able to build a significant lead, Demons leading by just three goals at half-time.
The Roar lifted in the third, with Sophia Lamers on target on her way to 34 goals for the match. But the Demons’ defence held firm, while Meg Gallager hit 38 goals of her own.
The West Coast Warriors made a statement with a 65-44 win over reigning premiers Comets to move into third on the ladder.
Comets could have moved into equal second with a victory and things looked positive after a 13-13 opening quarter. But the Warriors stepped up a gear, scoring 19-11 in the second and 18-6 in the third to put the game beyond doubt.
Zoe Harper continued her impressive season with 51 goals.
Fremantle Sharks sit just one game outside the top four after a 61-42 win over the Souwest Jets.
Once again, the Jets were competitive in the opening quarter, trailing by just one, before the Sharks pulled away in each of the next three, Aisha Morcombe hitting 45 goals, her highest individual score this year.
Peel Lightning kept their slim finals hopes alive with a narrow 51-49 victory over Rangers.
The Rangers started well in search of their first win, leading 23-21 at half-time. Lightning took the lead in the third before a late goal from Myra Ugle (30) tied the scores at 36-all going into the last.
Lightning found another gear in the final term to snatch the dramatic win, Kasey Ridout the star with 35 goals.
In men’s action, Demons versus Roar was also a top-of-the-table clash, with the results reversed and Roar leapfrogging Demons into first with a 56-41 win. Peel Lightning upset third-placed West Coast Warriors 52-47 to notch their second win of the season and Comets thrashed Rangers 70-39.
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