Lake Wendouree have secured a come-from-behind win to claim a top-four spot on the Ballarat Football Netball League ladder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was the third straight win for the Lakers who defeated Ballarat by five goals at Wendouree Reserve on Saturday.
Having lost twice to the Swans in the pre-season, Lake Wendouree coach Katy Williams knew she had to prepare her team for an arm-wrestle.
"We knew they were going to be a finals team for sure, and they are going to push all the teams in the top four," she said.
"We've got a few things we'll look to improve on, but overall we're happy that we've managed to get the win."
Lake Wendouree played from behind most of the match as they struggled to overcome the Swans' hot shooting percentage.
But timely turnovers caused by relentless pressure from the home-side forced an eight goal turnaround in the last quarter.
Veteran Kara Hart was instrumental in victory, who's experience and poise under pressure earned her best-on-court honours. Williams also heaped praise on centre-court player Kirsty Walsh.
"They're calm under pressure but when things get tight, they're reliable and they keep going and going," she said.
Although happy to be back in the top-four for the first time since last season, Williams said there was still much of the season left to play.
"We don't really consider the ladder at this point in time, we haven't played everyone, we just need to keep winning and the ladder will sort itself out," she said.
Meanwhile top-placed Sunbury have overcome the absence of Lauren Wishart and Amanda Cusack to beat Bacchus Marsh by 23-goals at Maddingley Park.
17-year-old Shelby Holter starred for Sunbury at goal attack, converting on 32 of 37 goal attempts, earning the praise of head coach Adam Boldiston.
"She's got a lot to learn still, but it's a great sign that this young girl steps up week to week," he said.
Undefeated Sunbury will face a tough schedule over the next few weeks with two of its next three games coming against fellow top-four teams Lake Wendouree and East Point.
Boldiston said he was feeling confident, but he would not be underestimating anyone.
In other games, Redan defeated Sebatopol by six goals at Marty Busch Reserve. The match was a special occasion for Sebastopol's Georgia Cann who celebrated her 100th game as a Burra.
East Point enjoyed a comfortable 19-goal victory over Melton South. The win marked the fifth in a row for the Kangaroos who remain perfect on the season.
While North Ballarat thumped Darley by 36-goals at Darley Park.
