THE Wentworth A-grade juggernaut rolled on against a spirited but ultimately overrun Robinvale Euston at John James Ovals on Saturday.
In a match-up of first versus last, the winless Eagles were never expected to come close to the unbeaten Roos.
However, Maria Falvo’s young side put up a mighty effort, particularly in the third quarter, before the Roos pulled away for a 66-32 win.
Roos’ playing coach, Amanda Edwards, was utterly dominant in attack for the visitors, switching between GA and GS in a shooting masterclass.
She drained an incredible 55 goals, barely missing a shot. Even when she did, Edwards often scooped up the rebound to finish off many of the Roos’ fast-paced attacking forays.
Post-game, Sunraysia Daily quizzed Edwards on what appears to be a “total netball” brand that the Roos are playing.
This is similar to the “total football” concept made famous by the Dutch football team in the 1970s, where every player can rotate into any role and attacks start from the defensive end.
The key for this, Edwards said, was “keeping bodies in motion with the ball”.
“Absolutely. We start by getting all the girls to flow with the ball as much as possible in transition,” the 35-year-old star shooter said.
“Our attack starts with the defenders doing as much as possible in bringing the ball down, which helps us at the attacking end and gets us into good positions to covert.
“You might have a defender bib on, but you still have to be attacking.”
Edwards said she was delighted with how the season was shaping up ahead of an important clash this weekend with second-placed Mildura.
“We’ve got a great nine players and a great-quality bench,” she said.
“So whatever changes I make, it’s easy because we don’t lose much at all. It’s a credit to the club and the way we’re developing our players.
“Mildura is going to be a big game for us. They’re a young side and have been playing some good netball, so it should be a great match-up.”
Falvo was beaming with pride when assessing the Eagles’ performance just moments after the game.
“The score doesn’t justify just how well our girls played,” the Eagles coach said.
“I just said to them that I’m so proud in how far they’ve come this season.
“We had three of our regulars missing today and had two 17-year-olds step up, and they were amazing.
“I’m super proud to keep the best team in the league to under 70 goals, so I can’t complain.
“We’re not getting the wins, but we’re certainly building well for the future.”
Morello leads Dees
The Mildura Demons stamped their claim as the second seed to Wentworth in the A-grade competition with a 44-36 win over the Ouyen United Kangas on Saturday.
The first half was as even as it could get, with scores being level at both quarter and half-time.
The Demons broke away after half-time thanks to some superb, accurate shooting from Zara Copley, who barely missed.
Demons’ captain Ava Zadow starred at GD throughout game.
“Ouyen came out firing and we were level throughout the first half,” Zadow said post-game.
“Their defensive pressure up the court was awesome. We showed great teamwork and a lot of patience on the court.”
Midcourter Alannah Morello, who along with Zadow also plays for the Mildura Heat women’s basketball team, was sensational as the Dees’ best.
Despite the loss, Kangas’ coaches Casey Crothers and Kyra Nathan were happy with their team’s effort.
“It was a good, competitive, clean game with great contests and was great to watch,” Nathan said.
“We applied our full-court defence well to create a lot of turnovers. Defenders Caitlin Vine and Catherine Brown were key for us.”
The Kangas have had costly lapses at times this season, which again happened in the third quarter as Mildura upped the ante.
“We want to improve on playing four consistent quarters. Mildura are a fit team with great combinations. They are contenders,” Crothers said.
Mildura are at home to Wentworth next week. Any netball fan in the area should make their way to the courts at Brian Weightman Oval on Saturday to see two fantastic and dynamic sides do battle in what could be a Grand Final preview.
In Saturday’s other games, fifth-placed South Mildura played out a dramatic 57-all draw with eighth-placed Merbein.
Harmony Brougham and Amy Lutze starred for the Bulldogs, while Bec Harvey and Allira Gray were two of the Magpies’ best.
At Quandong Park, fourth-placed Irymple edged out seventh-placed Red Cliffs 43-32.
Mackenzie Ryan and Jorja Delcastegne starred for the visitors, while Jacqulyn Bell and Yelena Richardson had strong games for the Tigers.
