The Dogs made it eight wins from 10 starts this season when they defeated Allansford 39-34 on Saturday at the Dennington courts.

The win has allowed the third-placed Dogs to put a game gap between them and the fourth-placed Cats.

In the last month the Dogs have beaten Allansford, fourth-placed Kolora-Noorat and second-placed Panmure.

Their other game during this period was a 15-point loss to the unbeaten Old Collegians line-up.

The Dogs have achieved their last two wins without star goal shooter Katie Burt who will be back for next week’s game against Russells Creek.

Dennington coach Sue Fleming said the wins over fellow finals contenders are pleasing.

“We give a lot of respect to all the teams we play, there are no easy games,” Fleming said.

“We have our systems working really well at the moment and I think that is showing in the netball we are playing.

“Today was a very level-headed performance. I think we have learnt to work our way slowly down the court and not try and force the play too much.”

Fleming attributed the performance of goal attack Marli Boyd as a key factor in the team’s win.

Fleming said not only did Boyd shoot 24 goals but she also provided a lively presence in the attacking half of the court.

“She is so mobile and fast so that really gives a spark to our attack and creates a lot of options for the girls up the court,” Fleming said of Boyd.

The game was played in reasonable conditions. The court was wet but the rain held off during the course of the contest.

Dennington led 11-9 at the first break before a dominant second term to open up a clear 21-13 half-time lead.

But the Cats managed to outscore the Dogs in the third quarter to go into the last term trailing 31-24. 

In a free flowing last quarter the Cats closed the gap to four goals before the Dogs were able to steady and ease the final margin out to five goals their way.

Goal attack Heidi Mason and defender Natasha Dwyer were the best players for Allansford in a game coach Mel Harrop said her team would learn from. “They are a physically strong team and we probably need to learn how to play against teams who play that style,” Harrop said. “I thought the girls showed a fair bit the way they fought the game out in the last quarter.

“We have Kolora-Noorat next week who are a very fit team but we will go in confident we can win. I think we can beat any of the top five teams when we play well.”

abrady@fairfaxmedia.com.au