Southside Demons stamped their credentials as premiership favourites with a gutsy 56-53 victory over reigning premiers Comets in round 10 of the WA Netball League.

The Demons shot out to a fast start, leading 18-12 at the first change and 34-23 at half-time. Meg Gallager was a standout for the ladder leaders on her way to 35 goals for the match.

Comets steadied in the third, led by Aitaua Enari (40 goals), before surging in the final term. Comets outscored the Demons 15-8, but Southside’s defence remained composed and held on for the win.

Western Roar remain one game further back in second place on the ladder after an equally hard-fought 50-48 win over third-placed West Coast Warriors.

The two sides went goal for goal for much of the game, with scores tied 29-29 at half-time. Gardenia Asiata was influential for the Warriors, while Annabel Saggers and Eva Petkovic produced crucial intercepts.

Roar edged ahead in the final minutes, with Asha Parsons converting a crucial shot with 30 seconds remaining to secure the win.

Fremantle Sharks leapfrogged Comets into the top four on the back of a dominant 68-42 victory over the winless Rangers.

The Sharks were never headed, with Aisha Morcombe leading the way with 43 goals while Myra Ugle (21 goals) worked hard for Rangers.

In the Friday night game, Souwest Jets scored just their second win of the season and put a serious dent in Peel LIghtning’s finals ambitions with a 49-42 win.

Lightning jumped the Jets in the opening term to lead 13-6 and led 27-19 at the half, but the Jets took complete control in a dominant second half. Lily Knight led the way for the Jets with 38 goals while Kasey Ridout (32) tried her best to keep the Lightning in the game.

In the men’s, Southside Demons lost their second consecutive game, West Coast Warriors leapfrogging them into second with a thrilling 57-56 win. Western Roar extended their lead at the top of the table with a 63-49 win over Comets and Rangers narrowly beat Peel Lightning 50-48 in the Friday nigtht game.