In a thrilling encounter at Noorat on Saturday, the Power held its nerve to defeat Dennington 41-39.

Kolora-Noorat coach Glenice Justin said the win would give her team the extra belief that was needed to beat the competition’s best.

“We were switched on for every minute of every quarter which is what we have been aiming to do all season,” Justin said. “Earlier in the season we got close to Dennington but one poor quarter cost us. But today we applied pressure all day and that paid off.

“As exciting as the win is, what it does is show us the reality that to beat these top teams you can’t relax for any period of the game.

“This is what good teams do every week so that is now what we have to continue to do for the rest of the season.”

Dennington went into the game without key players Lani Keane, Jeanna Johnstone and Krystal Day but this did not stop it getting off to a strong start and leading 10-7 at the first break. The momentum of the game shifted the way of the Power in the second quarter as they shot 14 goals to 10 to go into half-time with a one-goal lead.

This set up a huge second half. Neither side was able to get a break of any significance,  with the Dogs outscoring the Power 11-9 in the third quarter to go into the last quarter with a 31-30 lead. The Dogs shot out to a three-goal lead early in the last quarter before the Power bounced back to level the scores at 38-38 with just minutes to go.

Power goal attack Linda Clifford proved to be the match winner as she coolly slotted through three in a row to give her team the edge when the final whistle sounded.

 The heroics from Clifford were even more noteworthy given she popped her finger out while going for a ball in the last quarter but bravely stayed on the court. It was a huge win for the Power, now  fifth on the ladder, two points behind Merrivale and four points ahead of sixth-placed Deakin University. While the win over the Dogs was huge,  the Power  face another moment of truth this week against the Sharks.

If the Power can win this game they will cement their place in the final five.

“We know if we keep winning then we will be right to play finals but if we lose to the Sharks then we may have to rely on other results which is never an ideal situation,” Justin said.