THE Mixed Premier Division saw some big results on Wednesday, with reigning premiers Parkville Panthers skyrocketing to the top of the ladder with a 41 goal victory (35-76) over DDNA to start the season on a high, starting well and continuing their form throughout despite a late fight back from from DDNA. In other games Melbourne City Blackhawks defeated St Thereses by 10 goals (36-46) in a match that seemed a lot closer than the score suggests, while NNE Vipers were defeated by Eastside Sonics by 14 goals (46-60). An even first half saw the Sonics pick up their pace after half time, shooting 31 goals to the Vipers’ 20 in the second half to run away 14 goal victors.

The biggest match of the round saw Geelong Cougars and Pasifika Sharks combine for 137 goals, with the Cougars prevailing in the 73-64 battle. The close tussle saw both sides battle for dominance early before Geelong took control in the second half to win by nine goals. It was a match with plenty of competitive spirit, with the new side in Pasifika Sharks taking the court with both flair and a weapon at the post in Junior Levi, who shot majority of the side’s goals with 62, finding the ball with ease. But despite the height difference between Levi and Cougars goal keeper Luke Marko Rawlings, Geelong found control through defence, double teaming the tall shooter and blocking feeds to create turnovers and run the ball back down the court. At the other end, Julia Woolley was accurate as ever after a dominant Victorian Netball League (VNL) season, pairing well with Brayden Pastore in the circle and sharing the load evenly – with Woolley shooting 36 goals and Pastore 37 respectively.

Geelong Cougars (73) defeated Pasifika Sharks (64)
DDNA (35) defeated by Parkville Panthers (76)
St Thereses (36) defeated by Melbourne City Blackhawks (46)
NNE Vipers (46) defeated by Eastside Sonics (60)
Bye: Valley Wolves