There was only one winner but both Dennington and Old Collegians remain in the premiership conversation after an enthralling heavyweight clash.
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The Dogs' 51-50 victory saw them jump to second place on the Warrnambool and District league netball ladder and demonstrated some serious ticker that will be of vital importance come finals.
After it led by six goals at one stage in the final stanza, Dennington was forced to stare down a blistering Old Collegians' fightback to win by the barest of margins.
"This is what A-grade netball is all about," Dogs coach Josie Bolden said.
"I was really proud to see us get out of a hole and it gives us great belief going forward."
Old Collegians' much-vaunted goalie combination of Maggie Kline (34) and Chelsea Quinn (16) didn't miss a beat against Dennington as the Warriors' maintained their claim to the league's most potent attack.
But the Dogs' own Lana Keane (27 goals), who returned to Australia from Bali just six hours before the match and Zoe Fleming (24) proved they could match it with Kline and Quinn.
"Their goalies' accuracy is just amazing," Bolden said.
"Those two only missed a handful of shots and I think they've got a very bright future."
Bolden said Dennington would welcome its upcoming bye before the side meets reigning WDFNL premiers Nirranda on June 22.
The Dogs expect Jess Haberfield (knee) to return for the Blues clash but are still waiting on further scans for Ruby Wilson's ongoing ankle injury.
Warriors co-coach Jessica Toleman said she was pleased with her side's gritty performance after Old Collegians lost veteran defender Sarah Quinn (unavailable) before the game.
This meant 16-year-old Nessie McLaren dropped back to goal-keeper and took on Keane in a best on court effort that showed off the Warriors' versatility.
"Nessie played a beautilful game," Toleman said.
"She's mature beyond her years."
Meanwhile, Kolora-Noorat won its second game in a row after it edged out Allansford 41-39 in a seesawing tussle.
The Power lost defender Sarah Davis and centre Claire Templeton moments before the game and coach Kym Goonan went to town on the magnets after her side trailed the Cats by six goals at half-time.
Kolora-Noorat's adaptability was tested out as Goonan switched every position.
But the moves appeared to work as the Power's 13-7 third quarter was enough to keep the side's slim finals chances alive ahead of next week's clash with Russells Creek.
"We knew it would be a tight contest," Goonan said.
Allansford coach Bridget Foster rued a lack of consistent hands over defensive pressure and said the Cats would be forced to play without Mikayla Bidmade for at least a week after the goal shooter hurt her ankle in the first quarter.
Foster said this meant Josephine Allen would combine with Georgia J Martin next week against Merrivale.
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