PART one of the potential trilogy was must-see, now the second instalment awaits.
Sunraysia netball’s top two sides Wentworth and Mildura played a brilliant round 18 contest at Brian Weightman Oval last week, where the undefeated Roos claimed the 54-46 victory.
It was their first victory for the campaign under 10 goals as the Demons played out of their skins, especially minus starting centre Ally Leng, who will miss finals with a broken collarbone.
Coach Sharon Watson knows her side can’t rest on their laurels against an opponent unbeaten since 2019 when they face each other again at John James Oval on Saturday.
Also hanging over Mildura is last year’s straight sets exit from finals, being eliminated after losing to Wentworth and Ouyen United in their finals.
“I think switching things up and changing the dynamic of our team maybe helped unsettle them a little bit more, but that also came from necessity as we were missing our young gun Ally,” Watson said.
“I don’t think the scoreboard always necessarily told the whole story, but it was an awesome game of netball out there and we’re really excited to go at it again this week.
“Wentworth being that really dominant team across the season, they will have gone away and done their homework.
“We can’t rely on what we did last week, it will be a different game again and we’ll have to bring everything we’ve got.”
Jess McNamara, Ellie Vincent and Maddie Alvino, all stars in the attacking third for Mildura, spent a quarter playing centre.
Starting duties were given to Molly McDonald from the Under 17s, while shooter Zara Copley also spent time on court as part of the rotations.
Young defender Ava Zadow also earned praise from opposing coach Amanda Edwards post-game for the duo’s one-on-one battle.
Losing Leng will come as a blow ahead of Saturday’s qualifying finals.
“She had surgery last Friday, so she was still there courtside last week albeit a bit groggy still, so to have her voice and her direction coming from the sideline will be very handy,” Watson said.
“We’ve got such a versatile team and we’ll continue to play that way.
“All you ever ask for is that your players give everything they have and I know the girls will do that again this week.
“Whatever happens after that, we’ll worry about the next step then.”
