SOUTH Gawler easily accounted for Tanunda by 53 goals in Barossa, Light & Gawler senior one netball on Saturday, but the win was marred by a serious injury to Kate Platten.

The Lions star returned earlier this season from an Achilles injury sustained last year, and ruptured it again in the win over the Magpies.

Coach Bec Brading said the incident had rattled the group.

“That put a dampener on it, and it is affecting the group a bit to have girls go down a bit like that,” she said.

“I’m sure the girls will step up and come out strong (against Nuriootpa) this week.”

Despite the injury to Platten, the Lions performed admirably and stormed away to an 11-goal quarter-time lead.

Last year’s grand finalists were in electric form against the competition’s bottom side, and scored a further 15 goals to three in the second stanza to extend the lead to 23 goals.

Kelsey Wilksch was terrific in attack as South continued to crush the depleted Magpies, sinking 23 goals to three in the third quarter.

The Lions eased up in the final stanza, but still outscored the Pies by 10 goals to secure the emphatic win.

Brading was pleased with the result, considering the wintry conditions.

“It was a good win, it was a close start as it was raining heavily early,” she said.

“We made sure we played safe netball when we were coming forward, and not pushing anyone.

“Kayla (Vial) was great in goals, she’s taken on the senior role in defence and set a good example.

“Kelsey (Wilksch) also had a great game in attack.”

Tanunda will enjoy a much-needed bye this Saturday, while the Lions take on the competition’s biggest improver, Nuriootpa.

“I fully expect them to come out hard, from all reports they’re a very tough side and they go hard at the ball; we expect a physical game,” Brading said.

“If we continue to do all the one percenters and keep up the work rate (it will put us in good stead).

“They’re definitely the dark horse of the competition.”

Around the grounds

Meanwhile, Kapunda continued its stellar season by comfortably accounting for Willaston by 25 goals.

The Bombers will now face Angaston before taking on fellow undefeated side Barossa District after the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Elsewhere, Gawler Central won its fourth game on the trot by disposing of Angaston by 25 goals.

The Tigers were relentless in attack and scored 69 goals, and now sit two games behind the Bombers and Bulldogs.

Lastly, Nuriootpa thrashed Freeling by 39 goals to sit one game outside the top four.

The Tigers have been terrific this year, and recovered from last week’s thrilling loss to Kapunda to crush the Redlegs.