Rand-Walbundrie-Walla have done what no other team in the Hume league netball competition has been able to do this season- defeat Howlong.
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But it was a bittersweet win for the Giants on Saturday, with shooter Mel McLellan suffering an ankle injury with three seconds to go in the second quarter of the clash.
Jacinta McLean stepped up into goals in McLellan's absence as the Giants charged home to a 15-goal win in Howlong.
"It was a great win, but it came at a cost," Rand-Walbundrie-Walla coach Tracey Oates said.
"It's up in the air whether she (McLellan) will be back or not.
"We've got the depth in the team if we need to fill that shooting spot."
Oates added the win has given the Giants a much needed confidence boost after a disappointing loss to Jindera the week prior.
"They just played beautifully and it was really exciting to watch," Oates said.
"They just had the right consistency, patience and belief in themselves.
"It's been what I've been trying to get them to do all season.
"We had a brilliant training session during the week where everyone was able to put last week behind them and focused on our next game.
"I spoke to them about how mindset is a big part of success, and that definitely showed."
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Howlong still claim the top spot in the competition holding a one game buffer between them and second placed Billabong Crows.
The Giants sit fourth, equal on wins and losses with third placed Jindera, with the Bulldogs defeating fifth placed Brock-Burrum on Saturday.
Oates admitted anything is possible in the league this season despite where teams may sit on the ladder.
"It just shows how competitive and close the competition is," Oates said.
"It's still anyone's game.
"Whoever turns up on the day is able to take the win and I think that's what finals are going to look like."
The Hume league will now have a general bye round this weekend, with the break coming at a good time for the Giants' as they nurse injury concerns.
When play returns for round 13 of the competition Rand-Walbundrie-Walla will take on the Murray Magpies, while Howlong will be looking to reclaim their winning form with a game against CDHBU.
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