THE Ouyen United Kangas SFNL A Grade netball premiership defence got off to a great start with a 46-38 goal win over Imperials at Brian Weightman Oval.
Ouyen started well, leading 13-8 at quarter time, before a strong second term by Imperials closed the margin to just three at half time.
As all great sides do, the visitors responded strongly in the third before playing as required in the last quarter to seal the eight-goal win.
Kangas’ coach Kyra Nathan was pleased with her side’s performance.
“It was a nice win,” said Nathan. “It was a great hit out.”
Ouyen got to roll out Melissa Dyda, with the former Adelaide Thunderbird shooting 22 goals in her first game in the blue and white.
“Mel is just all class,” Nathan said. “I’m really excited to play with her knowing how good she is and how good her timing and hands are. It will take some time for us to adjust to her reach and playing style.”
Ouyen United got more comfortable with their combinations as the game progressed, with all three lines being adjusted from the team that won the Grand Final.
Kiarna Marshman was one player who took her opportunity in A Grade, which Nathan credited to Marshman’s great efforts at training. Marshman’s defensive partnership with the evergreen Tsharni Burns was successful for the Kangas.
Imperials presented strongly, which pleased coach Ali Walker.
“I was really happy with our effort today,” Walker said.
“We always knew coming up against Ouyen first up was going to be hard so I thought we played really well together. Defensively we were a little different to last year but I thought we were able to apply great pressure to Ouyen.”
Imperials utilised the interchange frequently as the players adjusted to the warm season opening conditions.
Kia Scott was Imperials’ best, with Walker being impressed by Scott’s late switch into defence.
