IT WAS a thriller at Blackburn Park on Saturday when Ouyen United and perennial finals campaigners South Mildura played out a 43-all draw, albeit with some controversy.
At game’s end, the scoreboard and scoresheet showed that the Kangas had won by a goal, but a goal scored on the bell was disallowed by the umpire because it apparently came too late.
But, according to coach Kyra Nathan, the Kangas will appeal the result.
“It was a comedy of errors really and we will appeal the result (but) we’ll probably lose,” she said.
Despite the score confusion, the game was a cracker, with no more than a goal or two difference at every change.
The pace was hot and both teams applied tough defensive pressure, making life difficult for shooters.
Ellen Morrish, Catherine Brown and Ester Manley were standout for the Kangas, while goal keeper Sarah Telfer and goal shooter Ellen Brewster were workhorses for the visitors.
Despite early losses and a draw, Nathan remains unfazed and upbeat.
“We have new combinations to work with, which take time to settle, (but) this is the start of our run home,” she said.
“Historically we are slow starters (but) we’re building now and will push for the top four.
“It was a very physical game today with many good patches of play.”
Dogs coach Sally Moore spoke to Sunraysia Daily courtside after the match.
“We knew we had to prepare for competitive netball,” she said.
“We had to make good decisions and adapt, which we did.
“Sarah Telfer and Ellen Brewster were big contributors for us today.”