With an intercepting defence that often negates the centre pass advantage and a forward court setup that invariably converts centre pass starts to goals, the unbeaten Wentworth team is proving a hard nut to crack.
Wentworth again set this victory up in the opening quarter. On the back of great defence led by Natalie Vercher and Christie Becker, and consistent shooting by coach Amanda Edwards and Elizabeth Rowe, the Roos built a 12-goal lead in the opening term.
Merbein worked into the game and throughout the remainder of the match and limited the margin of Wentworth’s dominance in the remaining quarters, thanks to the defensive efforts of Lucy Martin and Allina Gray, however, Wentworth proved superior throughout.
In the windy conditions, it was noticeable how well Wentworth could set up high-percentage shooting opportunities when attacking, while making it hard for the Merbein shooters to get a good look at the goal ring when defending.
The key to Wentworth’s game is their ability to transition from defence through the midcourt.
Ash Cameron was instrumental in this game as the centre, tirelessly working up and down the court.
Edwards was pleased with the win.
“We did really well. I’m happy with the outcome,” she said.
“We need to keep doing the simple things well. If we tick the little things off each week, we should come away with the win.”
Merbein coach Breigh Hammet was encouraged by her young team’s development.
“I’m much happier with that game,” she said. “I think from the first game against them; we’ve had a 15-goal improvement.
“That’s what we look at. We’re not seeing it on the scoreboard but seeing it in the weekly improvement. So there are lots of positives we take out.”
Kangas cruise home
Ouyen United consolidated third place on the A Grade netball ladder with a six-goal win against Irymple at Henshilwood Oval on Saturday.
The 37-31 victory took the Kangas’ win-loss-draw record to 7-3-1, while the Swallows (5-6-1) remained fifth.
Tsharni Burns and Esther Manley led the way for the visitors, making it a good away trip for the club after the men’s seniors football team had a three-point win over the Swallows.
Jorja Delcastegne, who also plays for Mildura Heat’s women’s Big V Division 1 basketball team, and Alejandra Retamoza Modoo, were the Swallows’ best on Saturday.
Eagles taste victory
Robinvale Euston claimed their first win of the season with an upset 41-28 away triumph at Red Cliffs on Saturday.
After 11 straight defeats, coach Maria Falvo was “very proud” after her team’s breakthrough win.
Georgia Giofrelle and Shakira Hingano starred for the Eagles, while Yelena Richardson and Jacqulyn Bell had solid games for the hosts.
The Eagles remained on the bottom of the table, while the Tigers (3-8) were in seventh place.
Dee-light for Mildura
Millisent Seward and Jess McNamara powered Mildura to a convincing 60-36 win against Imperials at Mildura Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The victory kept the second-placed Dees (10-2) nipping at unbeaten Wentworth’s heels.
Imps (5-7), who were led well by Meg McManus and Taylor Edwards on Saturday, remained in sixth place with five rounds left in the home-and-away season.
South Mildura (6-4), who round out the top four, had the bye at the weekend.
