BALLARAT Football Netball League held off a gallant Bendigo outfit to claim a 46-40 victory in the AFL Victoria Country Championships Open Netball.
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After a tight opening term, Ballarat managed to slowly pull away from Bendigo and grind out a hard-fought win.
When the game was there to be won, the class and experience of Ballarat stood out.
Indeed, Ballarat's ability to convert under pressure separated the two sides in an otherwise even contest.
Molly Boyle was superb for the home team, as the wing defence provided terrific drive and was suitably judged Ballarat's best-on-court.
It was a heated contest early, with scores level at 9-9 at the first change.
Bendigo, clearly not intimidated by Ballarat's formidable line-up, brought terrific intensity to the clash right from the outset.
However, in what would become a recurring issue, Bendigo struggled to make the most of its opportunities.
Ballarat took advantage and claimed a 22-20 lead at half time, before stretching the margin out to 34-29 at the final break.
The home side kept pushing in the last quarter, bringing scores to 45-36 at one point, but a late flurry of goals from Bendigo ensured that the final score-line was a more accurate reflection of the match.
Ballarat coach Kate McMahon said she was delighted with how her side approached the honour of playing Interleague netball.
"I really take representative opportunities seriously," she said.
"I'm always wanting to have a group that are in it for the win and not just for participation. And I always think that giving it 100 per cent is the best thing you can do for yourself.
"I felt like the girls did that today. I'm really proud of them."
Despite the loss, Bendigo could not have been much more impressive.
Aside from some poor shooting for goal, the travellers were able to keep up with Ballarat in most facets of the game.
Bendigo coach Melissa Ryan was full of praise for her team.
"I am exceptionally proud," she said.
"Some of these girls haven't played together at all before. Some only just met each other 10 or 15 minutes before the game.
"I was really impressed with the way they backed each other up, without having that familiarity with each other."
Versatile goal attack Maddy Stewart was awarded best-on-court for Bendigo, while the defensive duo of Allira Hammond and Meg Gilbert also stood up.
For Ballarat, goal shooter Jordan Bibby was exceptional with her accuracy in front of the net, which ultimately played a significant role in the end result.
Meanwhile, Ballarat failed to match it with Bendigo in the 17-and-under clash.
The Bendigo side controlled the match from the outset, winning 55-29.
Lake Wendouree's Faith McKenzie was named best on court for Ballarat.