Imperials 1 miss out on win but stay in hunt for second place

Imperials 1 are still in the frame for a top-two finish in the Eastern Goldfields Netball Association’s first division but are quickly running out of time after salvaging a draw last weekend against Sonix 1. The 44-44 tie enabled Sonix 1 to retain second place over Imperials 1 by a game. But Sonix 1 have a bye this Friday night in the second-last round of qualifiers as Imperials 1 chase a sixth win of the season against Rookies 1. Should Imperials 1 be successful this weekend, second place and a double-chance in the finals would be decided a week later. Rookies 1 are fourth and Mana 1 — who meet Imperials on August 16 to finish the qualifiers — are last with one win. Steelers 1, who beat Rookies 1 last weekend, 49-43, lead the standings with eight wins. Sonix 1 are chasing a third title in four years after losing the 2023 grand final against Rookies 1 by two goals, 39-37. This Friday’s round starts at 6pm when Mana 1 play Steelers 1 and Imperials 1 take on Rookies 1 at 7.30pm. Results Division 1: Sonix 1 drew with Imperials 1 44-44; Steelers 1 d Rookies 1 49-43. Division 2: Rookies 2 d Sonix 3 59-33; Sonix 2 d Imperials 2 59-35; Steelers 2 and Mana 2 drew 52-52. Division 3: Mana 3 d Flyers 1 51-25; Steelers 4 d Rookies 3 34-32; Goldstrikers 1 d Rookies S4 43-24. Division 4: Sapphires 1 d Rookies S5 59-25; Mana 4 d Imperials 3 32-27; Steelers 3 d Sonix 5 75-45. Ladders Division 1: Steelers 1 16; Sonix 1 13; Imperials 1 11; Rookies 1 8; Mana 1 2. Division 2: Steelers 2 23; Sonix 2 20; Imperials 2 14; Mana 2 13; Rookies 2 6; Sonix 3 2. Division 3: Mana 3 17; Sonix 4 17; Rookies 3 14; Steelers 4 14; Flyers 1 12; Rookies S4 2; Goldstrikers 1 0. Division 4: Sapphires 1 24; Steelers 3 20; Imperials 3 16; Sonix 5 9; Mana 4; Rookies S5 1.