OUYEN UNITED 59
IMPERIALS 47
BEST: OUYEN UNITED: Casey Crother, Tsharni Burns. IMPERIALS: Alle Littore, Amy Dodds.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNT
BROWN IN FORM: Ouyen United defender Catherine Brown is strengthening her profile as one of the best netballers in the SFNL. On the back of a best-on-court in Sunraysia’s 30-goal drubbing of North Central at Sea Lake last Saturday, Brown was again in solid touch against Imperials at Blackburn Park on Saturday. She is a vital cog in this Kanga team and unshakeable in big games.
MINDSET: During the course of a season a few strong comments from players and coaches about mind-set standout, and one quote from “Cat” Brown in the last home-and-away game in 2019 warrants recall. After finishing in fourth position, and before entering their third finals’ campaign, Brown was asked about the journey ahead for her team. Her response was spontaneous: “We have three games left to play and win (first semi, preliminary and grand final),” Brown told Sunraysia Daily.
CAP CONCERNS: Economies of scale considered, penalties in netball for salary cap breaches appear a little tepid compared to their football counterparts. As reported recently, the West Coast Fever were penalised 12 premiership points and fined $300,000 for exceeding the cap. Half of the fine was suspended for 12 months and now, the premiership points’ deficit is likely to be erased with the season in its infancy because the Fever have won their first two games. By contrast, when Carlton breached the cap in the 1990s they were fined nearly $1 million and had to forfeit early round draft picks for several seasons – penalties many say they still haven’t fully recovered.By Bernie Kelly (pic by line)
OUYEN United have shot to second position on the SFNL netball ladder after a dogged 12-goal win over fourth-placed Imperials at Blackburn Park.
But the Kangas had to work hard for most of the game and didn’t get a winning break until late in the third term.
With a depth of quality players to select from, the Kangas are very much still rolling the dice with player positions on match day.
Ellen Morrish started in the all-important mid-court position, somewhat of a rarity for this Kanga dynamo, until replaced by specialist centre Kyra Nathan after half-time.
With Nathan back in her customary position and Casey Crothers and Tayla Willsmore steady, but sometimes a little shaking under the ring, the Kangas held sway by a comfortable 11-goals at the final change.
“It was a good standard, well-paced clean game,” Nathan said.
“Imperials are a tall, tough side – they used their height to advantage and didn’t go away all game.
“We have 11 strong players to select from and we want to expose all these to the team – it’s a good problem to have.
“There is versatility on the sidelines and we haven’t settled on our best team yet.”
Nathan also offered some comment on the interleague best-on-court achievement of defender Catherine Brown.
“Her selection for Sunraysia was just reward and fantastic recognition for her effort both on and off the court,” she said.
“She is an in-and-under player, sets up well and is the ultimate team leader.”
Imperials centre Alle Littore and goal shooter Amy Dodds (30 goals) were standouts for the visitors, with Dodds rarely missing and keeping her team in the game while Littore was given the unenviable job of attempting to keep Nathan in check.
“I felt that we played well and there wasn’t much in it for most of the game,” Littore said.
“We’ll take a lot of positives out of the game.
“Ouyen United always provide a good contest and I thought the game flowed nicely and was played in a good sporting spirit.
“They are one of the top teams – they are gaining momentum and will be up there again.”
In other results, Robinvale Euston claimed their first victory of the year with a 47-34 defeat of Red Cliffs.
The Eagles celebrating the official opening of their new netball courts in style with all senior teams on the winning side.
Georgia Giofrelle continued her outstanding form for the winners and Corrine Best was again prolific. Fane Biumaiwai and Jazmin Parker were best for the Tigers.
Mildura made a statement by becoming the first team to topple Irymple in 2021, grabbing a 48-36 win.
With young shooter Zara Copley and experienced defender Sharon Watson on song, coach Abbey Madden’s team kept themselves right in the hunt for the top four.
Jorja Delcastagne and Sherrie Geister were in the best for the Swallows.
South Mildura also ensured they kept in touch with the top four with a 15-goal victory over Merbein, 61-46.
With young gun Lara Telfer and Mikaela Saunders leading the charge, the Bulldogs were able to keep the hosts at arm’s length.
Centre Sophie Koschitzke and attacker Melissa Kennedy were best for the Magpies.
