“It showed that with a complete focus and commitment the girls can produce outstanding netball and it really was a team effort.”

Central’s best players were Tracy Patton (goal defence) and Allison Grigg (goal attack).

Kapunda coach Lee-Anne Cummins said Central had been a lot more intense than when the sides clashed earlier in the year.

“The entire seven girls applied pressure and as a result we didn’t respond well and made some poor decisions,” Lee-Anne said.

Kapunda’s best were centre Penny Chappell and wing defence Kim McGrath.

Tanunda 40

Nuriootpa 33

An emotional three-quarter time address by coach Janelle Steinberner enabled Tanunda to turn around a three-goal deficit into a seven-goal victory over Nuriootpa.

“It was our club sponsors’ day and I said to the girls that they were not only playing for themselves but for the sponsors and the club itself and asked for them to return some of the passion from the good old days,” Janelle said.

“They certainly lifted in the final quarter and played brilliantly for a great win.”

Best players were goal defence Kate Jolly and centre Nicole Crouch.

Janelle also had high praise for goal shooter Emma Schilling who played up from the 2s because of the unavailability of Alicia Swincer.

“Emma proved she is capable of stepping up and was really good in the last quarter.”

For Nuriootpa coach Sarah Smith, after having her side lead by three at quarter-time, six at half-time and three at three-quarter time the loss was shattering.

“We have been playing good netball in recent weeks and to be up for three quarters and let it slip was very disappointing,” Sarah said. “Credit to Tanunda they were very good but it was like we lost our mojo.

“This is the second time we’ve given up a three-quarter time lead so it is an area we have to improve.”

Best players were goal keeper Jamie McGuirk (Vine Inn) and centre Kendall Barter (Subway).

South Gawler 59

Freeling 33

South Gawler continued its charge towards finals with a 26-goal win over Freeling.

“We didn’t play that well so it was good to have such a big win,” Karina Cook, South Gawler coach said.

“The Freeling defenders really made the attack end work hard and change our play a bit.

“For that reason our defence was our best players for creating turnovers.

“Cassie Egel (goal keeper), Lee Barnett (goal defence) and Brooke Giorgetti (wing defence) were very good.”

Freeling coach Deb Meaney said South were just too good.

“They moved the ball well and their timing was great,” Deb said.

“We had some great passages but they were few and far between. We need to treasure the ball and not make the wrong decision when we have worked so hard for a turnover.”

Freeling’s best players were Lisa Van Leeuwen (goal keeper) and Kristy Humble (wing attack).

Willaston 81

Barossa District 28

Despite missing a trio of talented players, Willaston proved too strong for Barossa District scoring a 53-goal win.

Kirby Wilson (injured), Hayley Norris (wedding) and Mel Tump (sick) were out but 2s players Tricia Williams (centre) and Kristen Leahy (wing attack) came up to fill the void and coach Lisa Wilson was delighted with the win.

“It was an excellent team effort,” Lisa said. “All seven players were hard and intense for the full 60 minutes. Credit to Barossa, they kept fighting but we knew we had to run the game out strongly.”

Willaston’s best were Liesel Dunstan (goal attack) and Danica Earle (goal keeper).

Barossa co-coach Bronwyn Venning played her 250th game on Saturday and said while the scoreline was not flattering she was very pleased with the mental strength of the side.

“The girls didn’t give up and battled hard all day,” Bronwyn said. “And despite not winning a game they are still keen to train and try to improve and I think that augurs well for the club as they really are a very young group.

“Laura Slade was back from injury and she partnered Kim Hage in the defence circle and they worked really hard despite the constant drive into the Willaston goalies.”