Round 13 of East Gippsland Netball League action produced the tightest round of the season, with just 10 goals marking the largest winning margin across all four “A” grade fixtures.
Boisdale Briagolong consolidated its hold on third spot on the ladder after handing ladder-leader Lucknow its second defeat of the season in a thrilling one-goal victory at home.
The two sides traded goals in the closing moments before the final siren sounded to seal the narrow win for the hosts in a high-class encounter.
Ciara Fitt, Ash McDonough and Hannah Pratt delivered outstanding performances for the winners, while Hayley Escudero, Erica Lynch and Macy Tatnell stood tall for the Magpies.
Boisdale Briagolong (34 points) remains locked in an intriguing finals race with Lindenow (32) and Wy Yung (26) over the final three rounds of the regular season.
Wy Yung faces a steep climb to secure a finals berth after falling to reigning premier Stratford by a single goal in a thriller at Bullumwaal Road. The Tigers now need to win all three remaining matches — including a tough fixture against Boisdale Briagolong, alongside clashes with Orbost Snowy Rovers and Lakes Entrance — to keep their finals campaign alive.
The victory draws Stratford level on points with second-placed Lucknow, having recorded just one defeat alongside two draws in a remarkably competitive season. Sierra Cook and Sarah Bishop were again standouts for the Swans, while Michaela Ward and Abbey Alvin led the charge for a determined Wy Yung outfit.
Lindenow bolstered its own finals credentials, holding off a gallant Orbost Snowy Rovers to claim a hard-fought three-goal victory at home. Ash Forehan, Renee Barry and Molly Lawson led the way for the Cats, while Lara Seal, Hayley Boxall and Kirsty Herbert continued their strong recent form for the Blues.
Meanwhile, Lakes Entrance returned to the winners’ list with a 32-22 victory over Paynesville at Lakeside Oval, registering its third win of the campaign. Promising youngsters Makayla Grabham and Skyla White starred for the Seagulls while Teneill Walker, Emily Hall and Mel Ferris battled hard for Paynesville.
Attention now turns to this weekend’s match of the round, where Lindenow travels to face a wounded Lucknow side. A win for the Cats would all but lock in their place in the 2026 finals series.
