ADDING ANOTHER: Kate Pratt prepares to drain another goal for Westoil in a big 73-27 win over KWS Kellys. Westoil's wasn't the only big victory of the round as Robin Hood wrapped up the ONA division one minor premiership with a 73-26 triumph over CYMS Gladiators. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0818sgmet2
DEFENDING Orange Netball Association division one premiers Robin Hood has wrapped up the competition’s minor premiership with a dominant 73-26 penultimate round triumph over CYMS Gladiators.
As the majority of lower grades and all junior netball games succumbed to the sleet and ice on Saturday, the division one action continued indoors at Sir Neville Howse Stadium only to see the gap between the top four sides and the rest increase.
Aside from Robin Hood’s impressive win, the semi-finals bound LifeStudio Westoil accounted for KWS Kellys in similarly brilliant fashion 73-27, High A edged out Hawks Zoom Zoom 55-46 and Hawks Williams Smash Repairs defeated CYMS Sheeradiance 43-37.
With just one week of the regular season remaining before things start heating up, Robin Hood (38 points) enjoy top billing on the 2012 ONA ladder ahead of LifeStudio Westoil (35), High A (34) and Hawks WSR (27).
It’s a fait accompli all four will make the semi-finals.
The chasing pack is eight points adrift in fifth, with CYMS Sheeradiance, Hawks Zoom Zoom and CYMS Gladiators all on 19 points, separated only by percentages, while KWS Kellys are in eighth on 16 points.
Robin Hood coach Neryl Manns said it was a strong effort from her side to win against a depleted Gladiators, with Narrelle Taylor in defence, shooter Sinead Bradley and wing attack Leigh Florence all starring in the 47-goal romp.
“We were without Tegan Dray but all eight players played well and combined well as a team,” Mann said.
“CYMS were without a few of their players and played a few younger girls so it probably wasn’t a true test from the Gladiators. I’m sure if they had their full team they would have pushed us more.”