Heat 9 have kept their finals chances alive in Division 8 of the 2023-24 NFNL senior summer netball competition, following a tight three-goal victory over Kilmore 5 at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
Hardly anything could separate the two sides throughout the opening three terms with scores level at both half time and three-quarter time.
But a 9-6 final quarter from Heat saw them edge out a 31-28 triumph, putting them back on the winners list as a result.
Heat now moves into fourth position on the Division 8 ladder with one round to play. They have the same record as fifth placed Bundoora 8 but have a higher percentage.
Kilmore sit one game behind the pair following their loss, meaning they will have to defeat Greensborough 4 next week and hope that both Heat and Bundoora fall short in their matches if the Blues are to play finals.
Heat’s scoring load was shared by Charlotte Pallant (17) and Kaylee Bruning (14), with both players having critical quarters in the second half to see their side claim victory.
Phoebe Hanna led the way in the attacking circle for the Blues, scoring 15 goals of her own, whilst Amy Perry impressed in her role as wing attack.
Both sides had opportunities to build a lead throughout the first half, but strong defensive efforts from the two teams ensured scores remained even by half time.
As well as the defensive duos at both ends, the midcourt players from each team were kept busy throughout a tight opening half.
Madeline Dimitriou and Armani Lister produced some key moments for Heat, while the Blues’ centre Madelyn Mutz kept things under control more often than not for her side.
Both sides traded goals during a more free flowing third term.
Bruning scored seven of Heat’s nine goals for the quarter while Hanna continued to prove influential in the attacking circle for Kilmore.
Both teams had scoring runs in the final term, but Heat were able to provide that extra spark when the game was on the line, crucially winning back possession of the ball on multiple occasions in their defensive third to create constant attacks.
The Blues continued to push their opposition to the final whistle, but Heat would go on to do enough to claim an important win.
A great last term was highlighted by an impressive eight-goal quarter from Pallant, which proved to be a match winning effort.
