ROUND 8 of Mixed Premier League saw minor tweaks of the ladder that could have a major impact on the competition in the next few weeks. NNE Vipers had another fantastic game putting their second win on the board in as many weeks, defeating a lacklustre Valley Wolves by one goal (45-44) in a close affair. Meanwhile, Pasifika Sharks was just one goal up at three quarter time, before storming away to defeat Melbourne City Blackhawks by 15 goals (52-67) and Parkville Panthers continued their winning ways with a massive 46-goal win over luckless St Therese (73-27).

In an interesting turn of events, DDNA well and truly had their way with Eastside Sonics to slip into the top four for the first time this season, with a massive first half setting up the 63-42 win. It was a fast start from DDNA despite the side missing a number of key players, with Sonics unable to put more than a goal on the board at times. While the Sonics gained some momentum towards the end of the first, they were unable to hold onto it with a 17 goals to 11 second quarter shaping the rest of the match. Pressure from DDNA’s Sam Mackerras and Steffi Poort in defence was phenomenal, turning over any loose ball coming their way and rebounding with ease while speed and pressure from Chelsea Immanisani and Ashlea Melinkas through the midcourt helped spur the ball down to attack. Despite missing Christian White in the circle, DDNA proved they still have plenty of firepower with Jake Novak and Ethan Spiteri stepping up to the plate with Ellen Hurley to find plenty of ball movement with Andrew Simmonds in wing attack. The Sonics put in a good fight with the efforts of Jack Carpenter and Taylor Dykstra at the post keeping them in the game while the defensive efforts of Rachel Powell, Sara Duncan and Samara Harris up the court stalled DDNA’s ease of movement while Jesse Failla was key as ever feeding into the goal circle.