It was a win that the Panthers A team managed even with absentees, including Western Rams ladies league tag player Claire Woolmington.

Panthers A coach Di Coombes said it was a good hit out for the girls.

“We’ve had a couple of girls out. One this week and three last week. We played well, starting strong and ending well,” she said.

“We played our game. It was also a good opportunity to work out a few different combinations. 

“We’re quite a versatile team this year.”

Jess Matthews, Sarah Wallace and Lily McIntosh lead from the front for Panthers A, in what was an all-round performance for the team.

It was the team’s fourth win from five starts.

Coombes praised 15-year-old Ella Welsh, who joined the Bathurst Panthers Netball Club this year. 

Walsh joins the club alongside her sister Tessa , who plays in colts.

Next up for Panthers A is LJ Hookers Hawks, who forfeited their game against Bulldogs Verdelho on Saturday. 

“We’ll be full strength next week. We haven’t been full strength all year,” Coombes said.

“We’re not going to take any one lightly in this competition. 

“We’ll take each week as it comes. The girls are enjoying their game and it shows. Our target is the semi finals and we’ll go from there.”

Panthers A go up to third on the ladder and while the team won, there were mixed results for the entire Bathurst Panthers Netball Club. 

Collegians Mystified claim a close 53-48 win over Panthers WWL, while Panthers Mustangs went down to Mana Wasps. 

Next week Panthers Mustangs will play Collegians Mystified, Bulldogs Verdelho tackle Mana Wasps and Panthers WWL will go up against Nova Pursuit. 

Collegians Mystified currently lead the way in the competition, having won five games from five matches played. 

Bulldogs Verdelho follow Collegians by just two points.