MERBEIN condemned Ouyen United to their third straight loss of the SFNL A Grade netball season with a great performance against the reigning premier, winning 53 to 30.
It was an even start, but Merbein’s defence was able to find another level, restricting Ouyen to seven goals or less in each of the last three quarters.
Goal keeper Keita McKee was Merbein’s best, with her positioning forcing Ouyen into many errors.
Not only were Merbein stopping the Kangas from scoring, they were able to move the ball freely into attack.
Merbein goal shooter Darcy Chilton herself outscored the Kangas, scoring 31 goals.
Ouyen’s shooters missed many chances, and Sophie Gray and the Merbein mid-court were able to transition the ball to capitalise on those opportunities.
Kangas’ coach Kyra Nathan was deeply disappointed in how her squad played.
“We just didn’t flow today,” said she.
“It felt like we were watching the game more than being active participants in the game. It broke down in quite a few areas for us today.
“Credit to Merbein, they maintained possession and didn’t give us many opportunities to get the ball back. They were patient and calm, whereas we were complacent and a bit rushed.
“We lacked a communication out there and will have to go back to the drawing board. We’ve been in this position before and we are aware that new combinations do take time to gel.”
The loss sends Ouyen to the bottom of the SFNL A Grade ladder, and the side will be desperate to win against an improved Robinvale Euston next game.
Merbein can entrench themselves in the top five if they can defeat South Mildura next week at Compound Accounting Park at Merbein.
