Roos clean up
Wentworth had to wait for the autumn leaves to be cleaned up before they could then clean up themselves in their A-grade netball match against Red Cliffs on Saturday.
However, the unbeaten Roos netballers didn’t have it all their way in tricky conditions at Red Cliffs, but again more than doubled their opponents’ score to run out convincing victors 63-25.
Wentworth coach Amanda Edwards said post-game: “It was a really tricky game today.
“I don’t think we played our best, but the girls pushed on and kept building each quarter so, in the end, I’m happy with the result.”
Red Cliffs coach Stephanie O’Loughlin moved into defence to try to curb opposing playing coach Edwards’ influence, and this had some effect.
“Our defence was pretty great. We got quite a few turnovers. I think more than what Wentworth would have liked to have given us,” O’Loughlin said.
Wentworth’s defence, too, was very impressive.
Uncompromising and physical in their approach, it meant the young Red Cliffs shooters found it difficult to find high-percentage opportunities in their shooting ring.
By comparison, due to the work rate of Emily Hosking and Molly Young around the perimeter of the ring, Wentworth was able to get closer scoring opportunities.
“We worked extra hard at hitting the circle edge today. I think it worked,” Edwards said.
Kangas snatch win in see-saw thriller
OUYEN United consolidated their place in the SFNL A-grade netball top four with a thrilling three-goal win against South Mildura on Saturday.
In a tight indoor tussle at the new Mildura Sporting Precinct, the Bulldogs stormed back from a seven-goal half-time deficit to take the lead by a goal in the final quarter.
However, the Kangas steadied to record a 40-37 victory, keeping them in third, while the gallant Bulldogs remain in fourth.
Kangas coach Kyra Nathan sang the praises of her short-handed senior sides after the game.
“I was really pleased considering that out of our A and B squads, we only had eight players to choose from,” she said.
“It meant we had players playing two games today. It’s come from some players having COVID, other sickness and people just going away and living their lives, which is great.
“What’s really good about this is that it gives other people a good opportunity, and I thought that those players stepped up really well.
“Holly Mazza came up and played a full game at goal shooter and I thought she settled well and gave us really good options, while Caitlin Vine at wing defence did well, too.
“I actually think Caitlin turned the game for us. We were one down in the last quarter and she got a crucial turnover and we went on from there.”
Nathan also praised the effort of Tsharni Burns at goal keeper.
“She reads the play very well and made some important intercepts that kept us in the game,” Nathan said.
“Overall, I thought we played really well as a team. It took a while to adjust to the different conditions in here, but it was good to come away with the win.”
South Mildura playing coach Georgia Chase, who returned from illness on Saturday, was delighted with her team’s performance despite the narrow loss.
“Our second half was amazing after we’d made a slow start,” said.
“We’re definitely improving, and we’re putting together what we’ve been working hard on at training over the past few weeks.
“I couldn’t have asked more from the players today.”
In the day’s other games
Fifth-placed Imperials had an exciting 48-47 against lowly Merbein at No.1 Oval.
Kia Scott and Allexandra Littore starred for the home side (3-4), while Johannah Gray and Sophie Gray shone for the young Magpies, who are second-from-bottom with a 1-5 record.
At John James Oval, second-placed Mildura beat cellar-dwellers Robinvale Euston 58-42.
Molly McDonald continues to impress for the Demons, along with Katelynn Challis.
For the home side, Mia Brigante and Georgia Giofrelle played well.
