JEN CORNWALL

LUTHERAN’s bid for a top four position hit a snag on Saturday as it was beaten by Virginia by 32 goals in Gawler & Districts A-grade netball.

Virginia goalie Tammy Lamont was in her usual fine form and with the help of Grace Nicol, their side secured a solid lead going into the second quarter which only extended from there.

Sharla O’Neill provided strength to the Lutheran mid-court, however, it wasn’t enough to halt Virginia’s passages of play.

The change up between Lutheran’s shooters did little to alter the momentum with the lead quickly blowing out to 20 goals at three-quarter-time.

Lutheran persisted throughout the rest of the game; however, it was too little too late, and Virginia was able to cruise to a comfortable victory which keeps it in touch with the top two.

Nearby, Sandy Creek Green has proven it’s firmly in the premiership race with a 47-31 win over fourth-placed Xavier Saints.

Xavier was in the contest throughout most of the opening half and held a one goal lead at quarter-time.

However, an energised Green side made changes in a bid to turn things in its favour, which saw the lead shift its way by six goals going into the final quarter.

Green then put the foot down and sailed home with a 16-goal win.

In the remaining A-grade match, Sandy Creek was back to its devastating best from the outset, picking up where it left off in its last match.

St Georges’ defenders were no match for Sandy Creek shooters Alyssa Wilson and Sarah Timms who helped blow out their side’s lead to 16-1 in the first quarter.

The flow from Sandy Creek was effortless from defender Jenny Dyson, to mid-courter Brooke Barnes and then through to the shooters.

Despite their efforts, St George’s just couldn’t match the determination of the undefeated side.

Sandy Creek extended its solid run of wins with a 56-9 victory.