The top three is starting to move clear of the chasing pack in the Rawson Homes Premiership A grade competition.
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And while many are tipping this season’s title to now be a three-horse race, Dubbo Netball Association president Karen Weekes said last year is proof teams can’t get too carried away.
The unbeaten Fusion Heat strengthened its hold on top spot with one of the most dominant performances of the season on Saturday while second-placed Fusion Vixens scraped past St Diamonds and St Collegians defeated Fusion Giants in a spirited battle.
There is now a five-point gap between St Collegians and the fourth-placed Fusion Giants.
“I think the scores don’t always show the level of competition in each game,” Weekes said after playing for Giants on the weekend.
“It’s very competitive at the top though.
“But last year there was two real standouts in Fusion Heat and Fusion Johnies and Johnies didn’t even make the grand final so just because you’re at the top it doesn’t mean you’ll be there. You’ve got to maintain it.”
Heat, which did go on and win the title last year, is certainly maintaining it up to this point.
On Saturday the unbeaten competition leader was at its best in an utterly dominant 78-20 win over Fusion Fire.
“They’re certainly going from strength to strength,” Weekes said of Heat.
“They’ve only had a couple of changes this year but the new players have settled in well. Players like Izzy Attwater and Maddie Croft … they’ve slotted in nicely and they’ve brought Amy Coggan in, too.
“It all started with what Caroline Dallinger started when the team was Fusion Pink and there’s players who were seen as juniors three, four years ago and now they’re the senior players developing others.
“It’s a good legacy left by Caroline and Tash Robinson has continued it really well.”
While the action on the court has been top class, there has also been a lot of excitement off it for the association.
Rawson Homes has renewed its major sponsorship of the competition, meaning the partnership with netball continues after roughly 25 years of being together.
“It was lovely to continue that relationship with Rawson Homes … both parties were really, really pleased,” Weekes said.
Weekes said the funds will help “generations to come”.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
