Bell Park kept its Geelong Netball League finals hopes flickering with an important win against Leopold in round eight on Saturday June 17.
Going into the game both sides were level on three wins, but the Dragons came away with a 40 to 32 win.
The win puts Bell Park a game and percentage outside the top while the loss sees Leopold now two games and percentage adrift with a lot of work to do.
After an even first half, Bell Park took a six-goal lead into the final term and held on.
Emma Hawker was best on court while goal shooter Makaela Connelly was next with 24 goals and Lauren Lapsley’s experience was important.
For Leopold, midcourter Gemma Percy was brilliant and defender Alice Tanner was dependable as usual.
Colac proved too strong for Newtown & Chilwell at home.
Star defender Indya Forde put in another starring performance for the ladder leaders while state rep Brooke Allen was a major player in the victory and Zara Walters played her part.
Ruby Pekin-Schlicht was the Eagles’ best and Zanna Woods was potent in attack.
Newtown & Chilwell’s loss was St Joseph’s gain. Joeys jumped into second place with a commanding 52-goal win against Grovedale.
Elli Leydin was busy in the centre and Charlotte Todd continued her stellar form while Abbey Krippl and Olivia Muldoon were best for the winless Grovedale.
Geelong West remained in touch with the top three after a 74 to 28 win against Lara.
Aleisha McDonald scored 52 goals and Meaghan Kilderry 22 to form a potent force in attack for the Giants.
South Barwon came home with the points after defeating St Albans 82 to 37.
Defender Maddison McKiernan was superb for the Swans as was midcourter Kiahna Fallon and Ellen Doyle was a constant threat with 63 goals at goal shooter.
Skipper Sade Stafford was a shining light for the Supersaints with 34 goals.