MILDURA coach Sharon Watson knows her side is a target, but if they bring their best netball like they did on Saturday, they can withstand all challengers.
The Demons bounced back from their first loss of the A Grade season against Wentworth in fine style with a 61-29 win over Irymple at Henshilwood Oval.
An outstanding defensive performance in the second term, holding the Swallows to just two goals, was imperative to opening up a 20-goal half-time advantage which expanded across the game.
Captain Jess McNamara proved why she is the reigning Horkings Medal winner with an outstanding athletic display and deadly accuracy at goal shooter, alongside partner in crime Ellie Vincent.
The duo have earned the moniker of ‘NASA’ for their outstanding ability to work with space.
Ava Zadow and Millicent Steward were a formidable defensive pairing and midcourters Ally Leng, Katelyn Challis and Maddie Alvino were quick and creative with their passing.
Watson said it would have been a tough week on the track if her side did not respond in the manner they showed.
“It was an even performance from all seven girls, and even the three on bench were involved with plenty of voice and encouragement which was great to see,” she said.
“We would have been very disappointed if we didn’t come out and play like that today, we’d be doing some more hard yards on the track but we didn’t need to. They gelled beautifully together and got the job done well.
“Even last week we were around the mark even though the scoreline didn’t show that.
“That’s one thing we talk about now is that we’re a target as well like Wentworth are. The girls just need to make sure they keep their feet on the ground and not get too far ahead of themselves because these teams want to beat us, so we have to make sure we’re on our game like we were today.”
While it was a tough day at the office for the home side, their youngest player, Sophie Price, made some brilliant interceptions while the Demons were on top, and captain Shakara Delcastegne worked tirelessly to keep the Swallows in the game.
