THE Hoppers continued their charge towards finals with a third-quarter shut-out the key to a 40-27 win over Lavington on Saturday.
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North Albury led by two at the main break but the addition of Eloise Maddox at their defensive end allowed reigning Toni Wilson medallist Jacqui Newton to drop back into goalkeeper – her height and intercepts continually keeping the Panthers to just a goal in the third term.
Paula Cary said the sixth placed Hoppers had to keep winning.
“It always felt like we were in control but it was the third quarter where the girls really took control,” she said.
“It was an even better effort without Kimberly Opdam, while Olivia Sinclair playing all four quarters at wing attack was outstanding as was Newton.
“We just have to keep winning our games and hopefully there are some upsets.”
Lavington has now lost five of their last six, their cause on Saturday not helped by the loss of Ange Demamiel on game day.