By Justin Schwarze
As the whistle blew marking the beginning of the 2025 Outer East Netball season, Emerald’s campaign took flight with a victory over Woori Yallock in Premier Division.
With the Tigers on home turf, the game was all square at the end of the first term.
The Bombers won the second frame, taking a two goal lead into halftime.
An even third quarter saw both sides score 12 goals and Emerald holding its two-goal advantage on the scoreboard into the fourth.
A dominant final period from the visitors had them outscoring their opponents 16-6 to run away with the victory, 51-39.
Goal Attack and co-captain Mackenzie Fox was brilliant alongside shooter Jackie Cutting, with other co-captain Casey Rhodes-Anderson standing tall in defence.
New Premier side Healesville outscored Upwey Tecoma in three out of four quarters to cruise to a 56-41 win.
Peri Reid’s 61 goals ensured Monbulk absolutely pumped Gembrook Cockatoo at home, 85-20.
Mount Evelyn got the job done in front of the home fans against Wandin, riding a massive second quarter after trailing at the first break to come up with a 53-43 result.
A low-scoring, defensive affair between ROC and Olinda Ferny Creek came down to the wire at Rob Porter Reserve.
The visitors led by just one at quarter time, before giving themselves a five-goal buffer at the main intermission.
The Kangaroos regrouped in the second half, winning the third frame 11-6 to tie the game at the final change.
To start the fourth, Olinda Ferny Creek scored five of the first six goals, applying significant crunch time pressure.
From there, the teams exchanged blows, and two late goals from ROC couldn’t get them back into it, as the visitors claimed the 39-35 victory.
Leah Mibus was outstanding for the hosts, while Mitzi Henry was great through the middle.
Eloise Argoon and Dana Millwood were rock solid and locked in on defence for the Bloods.
In Division 1, recently relegated Pakenham made a statement to the rest of the competition by handling business comfortably against Yea on the road.
A 14-4 first term had the Lions on the front foot early, with shooter Charlotte Hudolin doing damage.
Superstar keeper and team skipper Caitlin Cooke navigated the team with fantastic defending, holding the Tigers to just 14 first half goals.
Millicent Utber showed impressive versatility while at Centre, directing traffic and facilitating play for the visitors.
Hudolin finishing with 43 goals, partnered with an even better defensive second half, helped Pakenham leave Yea with a 58-27 win.
Yarra Junction rode a monstrous third term to blow away Powelltown as the Eagles won 61-20.
After leading 26-13 at halftime, Yarra Junction outscored its opponent 20-3 in the third frame to put the game completely out of reach.
Reigning premiers Warburton Millgrove were imposing at home, taking down Belgrave 74-30.
Bianca Daniels scored 30, Jordana Butcher contributed 25 and Karly Wappett recorded 19 goals in an all-around offensive output from the Burras.
At Seville, the hosts cruised to a 65-43 win over Yarra Glen.
After it was just a four goal margin at the first break, Seville took control of the matchup and made impact on the scoreboard.
The two-headed threat of Olivia Ray and Taylah Werner was too much for the River Pigs, especially after back-to-back 17 goal quarters in the second and third frames.
