Yarrawonga has come out of Victoria's lockdowns firing to take down reigning premiers Wangaratta on Saturday.
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The Pigeons led at every break against the third placed Magpies, eventually claiming the win by 11 goals to secure second spot on the ladder at J.C Lowe Oval.
Bridget Cassar shot 25 goals for the Pigeons and was well supported by Laura Irvine in the midcourt and Annalise Grinter in defence.
With majority of Yarrawonga's players based in Victoria, the wait to reunite on court was finally over.
"The girls will take any opportunity to play and enjoy it, because you just don't know what's around the corner," co-coach Irvine said.
"Because we haven't played a lot of netball in the last few weeks, it's good to be able to cement that position in the top three.
"It's been hard to keep pushing forward when you don't know what's ahead, but the girls have all been super keen to stay committed."
Issy Byrne and Hannah Grady fought hard for the Pies, who were without star goal shooter Amanda Umanski.
Lavington also celebrated a win against Wodonga in the competition's return.
However, it was bittersweet for the Panthers, who found out mid-game they were about to head into a seven-day lockdown.
"It was quite surreal," coach Catherine Wood said.
"You just hope that wasn't our last game.
"The girls all really enjoyed playing again."
Centre Angela Demamiel was the standout for the Panthers, with Maddy Plunkett shooting 39 of their 51 goals.
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The Bulldogs were well served by Mia Eddington and Ella Vandermeer.
Finals is now the focus for the fourth placed Panthers, who will tackle the rest of the season without star defender Sarah Meredith.
With Meredith expecting a baby, Maggie Thompson and Grace Hay are set to control Lavington's defence.
Just as Victoria did, NSW clubs will now have to navigate a week without training together.
"We've already put a plan in place because we don't want to lose momentum," Wood said.
"It's really exciting to make finals and we want to be prepared."
In other games, Myrtleford claimed a crucial win against Albury to remain in the competition's top five.
Wodonga Raiders defeated North Albury, while Corowa-Rutherglen were too good for Wangaratta Rovers.
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