ROBINVALE Euston have celebrated win No.2 of the campaign with an impressive performance against Merbein at Kenny Park.
Following a 42-all draw with Imperials the previous week, the Eagles toppled the Magpies in the blustery conditions to lift themselves from the bottom of the ladder.
It was the Eagles’ first victory since their opening-round result against Imps in the pouring rain. The strong winds across the district on Saturday led victorious coach Georgia Giofrelle to quip: “Maybe the bad weather is our good luck!”
“It was close early but they got away from us a bit, and in the break we just talked about being confident in ourselves, not hesitating so much and just worrying about our own game,” Giofrelle said.
“I can’t even really remember what happened. We were down by a bit in the second quarter but by the end of third we were within two, and I think that was when the realisation hit that we can do this.
“The girls gave it everything in that final quarter and to get another win was amazing.”
Giofrelle paid tribute to defensive duo Kirsten Neyland and Shakira Hingano, who were huge again, as well as the centre and wing attacking pairing of Mia Doherty and Bell Giofrelle.
“The girls in defence were on all game and have been all year. Kirsten and Shakira are really performing well together.
“Mia and Belle are really clicking now, too. Their passing into the ring has really improved throughout the year and they’re playing such important roles.
“We’ve got four of the top five teams in the last month so while another win would be nice, even if we can just challenge them and make them uncomfortable it will be a pretty good result.”
The match was an opportunity for Merbein to tighten the screws on the final five and draw even with Ouyen United and sit behind South Mildura after their losses this weekend.
The Magpies, who named Sophie Kroehn and Emily Gray as their best performers, face Red Cliffs and Imperials in the next two weeks with a bye slotted in before what could be a crucial final match against the Kangas.
Roos roll on in tough conditions
CROSS-court winds only a kite would thrive in made for a tough day for Sunraysia’s netballers.
The undefeated Wentworth made the most of their opportunities at Mildura Sporting Precinct to keep the winning streak alive in a low-scoring arm wrestle, winning 39-25 against South Mildura.
While it likely won’t be a contest either side will put too much stock in considering the conditions, Wentworth will be happy to bank another victory, while South’s surge since their slower start to the year means they loom as a dangerous match-up for any team in the final five.
Play was halted on multiple occasions to clear all sorts of paraphernalia blowing onto the court, But the tumbleweeds weren’t indicative of the arm wrestle that ensued.
Wentworth coach Amanda Edwards said her side were happy to come away with the points, a result set up by their 14-6 opening quarter.
“When the weather is like that and it’s out of your control, if you can tick that box you’ll take it,” she said.
“I’m really happy with how we started considering the conditions, and it’s an area of our game we’ve been working on a lot.
“We’ve got three pretty big games coming up against Mildura, Irymple and Robinvale Euston, so we’re looking forward to those contests.”
Wentworth handed a debut to emerging talent Issy Boulton, who after coming onto the court in the second quarter to applause from the visiting fans remained in centre for the remainder of the contest.
Edwards said the youngster had earned her opportunity.
“She’s amazing, she’s been working really hard with under 17 Division 1 side and has earned court time through B Grade as well,” she said.
“It’s a credit to the junior coaches as well. To have Issy and Lola McInerney come and stand up when needed is hopefully a great sign for our depth.”
McPhee and defender Nat Vercher were named among their better players.
Despite the loss South were impressive across the court, even outscoring the Roos in the second half.
Wing attack Alyce Ross and the versatile Tayla Sellens were named their best performers.
– Mitch Rodd
Swallows hold sway
IN challenging conditions, the Irymple’s A Grade netball team extended their win streak to five with victory against Ouyen United on Saturday at Blckburn.
Irymple head coach Sherrie Geister said she was very impressed with her team’s adjustment to the strong winds and played a great team game, defeating a tough opponent 36-30.
“I couldn’t even give out awards yesterday, I found it really hard. Everybody had a really good game, and it was a great team effort,” she said.
“I think that we won the battle quite convincingly. They came back a couple of times, but we gritted out a really good win. I was super- proud of my gals.”
Irymple’s composure was on full display as they kept a healthy lead throughout the game despite the Kangas’ attempts to close the gap.
“I never underestimate Ouyen ever. I have a lot of respect for their coaches, and the team is strong, physical and really smart players, and they’re coached very well,” Geister said.
“Obviously, it’s hard to play in those conditions. We just went into it with a focus on keeping our possessions and playing a short, sharp game, not long passes into the wind.”
On Saturday Irymple faces South Mildura, who they lost to in their previous match-up and sit just one spot below Irymple in the standings.
“We didn’t have the best of games last time we played them, but they actually beat us by a goal in the end,” Geister said.
“It will be different next game. It will be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Bronte Pezzaniti and Shakara Delcastegne were named the best for Swallows, while Megan Jardine and Tsharni Burns were strong for Ouyen United.
– Lewis Nancekivell
Imps burst sets up victory
HOSTS Imperials, in a battle to potentially avoid the wooden spoon and maybe creep as high as sixth on the A Grade ladder, emerged victorious over Red Cliffs at the Brian Weightman Oval courts in ridiculously blustery conditions.
Passes went astray and relatively easy shots amiss in a hard-fought encounter that Imps won by a somewhat flattering 10-point margin.
The game was decided by a 17 goals to nine third quarter burst by the side in green and white.
“Last week was a little bit frustrating against Robinvale,” Imps coach Ali Walker said. “We maybe could have got that win, but it was a draw, so it was nice to win today.
“We finish the season with Merbein, Ouyen United and South. We didn’t win any of those games the first time around, so let’s see if we can improve on that, but we just take each game as it comes,” Walker said. Imps have a bye before that run home.
“The whole year we have had really good strong passages of play but can’t quite do it for four quarters,” she said of her 3-9-1 side.
“But against some of the top teams we have been able match it with them for a half or so and it’s just about finding the consistency and in a tight contest being smart with the ball and disciplined to win those games and not crack under the pressure.
“I think we are better than what I thought we’d be at the start of the season … if the girls keep going out and doing what I ask them to do that’s a win for us; it doesn’t have to be a win on paper at the moment.”
Red Cliffs coach Romany Bowen’s young side is also in building mode and she believes the 2-10 Tigers could be challenging the league’s best within a few years.
“If we want to compete with the best, we have to develop our own style … we need to be different,” Bowen said.
“Once we have the right players in the right positions and start gelling we can do that and then we can start beating teams near us on the table and then the top sides.
“At this end of the season I can see what we are lacking and what we need for next year to improve. We have some short-term goals and I think we can still finish sixth and not get the wooden spoon, but for me it’s more about next year. Let’s see some changes, let’s see a top middle-order finish and then the following year a place in the top five.’’
In the brutally tough conditions, goal gunners Laura Hayter and Kia Scott stood out for Imperials, along with wing defence Ella Hards, while 16-year-old Alice Leeder, goal shooter Zara Copley and veteran centre Yelena Richardson were the top Tigers.
– Tym Glaser
