There were no upsets in round eight of Omeo and District netball, highlighted by reigning premier Omeo Benambra reaffirming its status as unbackable favourite for this year’s flag.
The top two sides went head-to-head at Swan Reach with the Alpine Ranges, led by goal shooter Emma Bates, easy 59-42 winners.
It was a similar result the first time the two sides did battle, the Swans having a lot of ground to claw back if they are to avenge the 2024 grand final defeat, their hopes currently looking forlorn.
Third-placed Bruthen proved too good for an improving Buchan, who is yet to bank maximum points, the Bulldogs winning 53-30, while fourth-placed Lindenow South put three games between themselves and fifth-ranked Swifts Creek when it won a close match 31-26 in the hills.
The Demons needed to nab the four points if they were to stay in finals contention, throwing everything at the Swampies who were too steady down the stretch.
Leading the way for Lindenow South were Teagan Edwards, Kathy Whittingham and Zoe Blewitt, while Swifts Creek was well served by Roxanne Dyer, Tess George and Lily McCole.
In this week’s matches Bruthen will host the unbeaten Omeo Benambra, Lindenow South is at home to Buchan, while Swan Reach will head up the mountain to do battle with Swifts Creek.
