Brown Hill Blaze and Dela Catalyst will meet in a fortnight to decide top position in Ballarat Netball Association's premier league _ should they win next round.

Blaze must first play sister team Brown Hill Sparks while Catalyst plays Sturt Diamonds.

Catalyst stamped its authority this week with a 19-goal win against competition powerhouse Dela Assuntas.

Assuntas suffered a rare second defeat and will be considering its position against Sturt Opals.

Catalyst was well served by a strong attacking third, led by Lauren Atkinson and Libby Purtell whose defensive pressure was also effective.

The Catalyst circle defence was energetic, constant and despite the height difference, did not allow the Assuntas goalers a moment's peace.

Catherine Maika was on target and well supported by Sam Den Ouden and Leesa Wall.

Assuntas swung into action late in the third quarter to reduce a 13-goal deficit to six by the final break.

They could not sustain the effort and lost their way.

Eureka Kellies won its first game of the season and will take heart from a solid 20-goal showing against Sturt Diamonds.

Kellies and Diamonds played a close first quarter but Kellies edged away in the second with strong attack and accurate shooting.

Diamonds responded in the third quarter, outplaying Eureka to win the quarter by one goal.

Kellies answered in a 17-goal quarter to take the match in comfortable fashion.

Brown Hill Blaze and Sturt Opals played a fast attacking game.

Both teams' goalers shot well with Blaze claiming a 22-goal victory.

Sturt trailed by just three goals at quarter-time.

Blaze came out in the second and third quarters and opened the game up with a 32-15 goaling spree.

Opals were determined to pull itself back into the game and fought back well in the final quarter.

* BALLARAT umpires will be put in the spotlight by former Netball Victoria umpiring guru Dorothy Elmer.

Two umpires will work with Elmer on BNA championship night to develop their skills as they work towards their B grade badge.

BNA president Jo Dash said the initiative was part of umpire development, helping umpires, like netballers, work at the highest levels they could in Ballarat.

RESULTS

Dela Catalyst Chiropractic 71 d Dela Assuntas 52

Brown Hill Blaze 60 d Sturt Opals 38

Eureka Kellies 62 d Sturt Diamonds 42