IMPERIALS coach Kim Mayne lauded the performance of centre star Alle Littore as her side staved off a spirited comeback by South Mildura at Alcheringa Oval on Saturday.
Imps were up by 12 goals in the first half before they hung on to a thrilling 55-54 victory.
“They put a lot of defensive pressure on us to get back level and it was a solid slog in the second half,” Mayne said.
“South played extremely well, and their defensive pressure made us throw the ball out of court several times.
“Alle was ‘best-on’ for us in a great centre-court battle with (South star) Maddy Toms.”
The win takes Imps up to third with 16 points, behind unbeaten Wentworth and second-placed Ouyen United.
South Mildura remain on 12 points in sixth place, behind fourth-placed Irymple on percentage.
Mayne said her team was poised for the strong second half of the season.
“We’re competitive, but we just have to limit our errors,” she said.
“We’ve had a lead like that is several of our games this year and almost squandered them.
“If we cut down on our mistakes and be more consistent, we’ll be right for the rest of the season.”
The Imps mentor then took a moment to reflect on the “great community atmosphere” at the Carramar Drive sporting facility on Saturday.
“It was wonderful to see all the people there,” Mayne said.
“It’s a terrific place to play sport. People were able to watch both netball and football because of the proximity of the courts to the footy ground.
“All the girls enjoyed it and the spectators seemed to as well.
“When I was driving away from the ground, I was thinking how great the volume of people at the ground was.
“A day of sport boosts everyone, not just physically, but mental health-wise as well.”
