Blues coach Steph Townsend said the game felt much closer than the scoreboard suggest, particularly in the first half.

“I was actually surprised at the margin,” she said.

“I can’t really pinpoint where we won the game, but I think overall we played a very neat game.”

The Blues had winners all over the court, with the defensive duo of Stacey Graham and Katie Ryan combining well in what was just their second full game together. Sophie Adams was dynamic in goals, shooting 32 and teaming well with Townsend, who finished with 29. The coach also lauded the efforts of the midcourters in linking up.

Townsend said the Blues were looking forward to taking on third-placed Kolora-Noorat after the bye.

She acknowledged Blues’ B grade player Emma Keogh and A reserve player Anna Murnane, who played their 200th and 150th games respectively.

South Rovers coach Lisa Pender was pleased to see her charges operating “more like a team” again in a 59-17 win over East Warrnambool.

"I made some changes to our side today, and decided to give some of our younger players a run out there," she said on Saturday. "Versatility is something we've worked on a little. It's good to have different options.”

Dennington boosted its percentage with a 57-31 win over Panmure, jumping out of the blocks with a 15-7 first term and extending their lead each quarter.