Netball wrap: Fast start helps Ouyen United win

RED Cliffs put up a gritty fight against Ouyen United at the weekend, but a first quarter lead by the Kangas was the foundation of their eight goal win.

After the Kangas’ first quarter of 13 goals to four, the Tigers were able to win or draw the last three quarters as the game turned into a genuine contest, finishing 37 goals to 29.

Ouyen coach Kyra Nathan was happy with her side’s ball movement.

“We were consistent and the ball flowed well down the court with great timing,” Nathan noted.

“Our feeding in and around the ring needs some work though.”

Ellen Morrish and Tayla Willsmore were Ouyen’s best.

“Ellen drove beautifully, got intercepts and created headaches for Red Cliffs in wing attack,” said Nathan.

“Red Cliffs were tough and shot well. I thought (defender) Steph O’Loughlin was excellent for them with her holds and rebounding.

Casey Crothers made her return to the Kangas A Grade side, which was timely with fellow shooter Esther Manley down with an ankle injury in the last quarter.

Red Cliffs coach O’Loughlin gave a positive summary of her team.

“The game was fast paced, intense and dominated by defensive efforts,” she said.

“We didn’t give up and had good patience bringing the ball down the court through the Kangas’ tough defence.

“To stick with Ouyen was a huge effort and shows that we are capable and not far off these top teams now. It was just the first quarter where they got ahead that cost us.”

Goalers Jazmin Parker and Sarah Carn were the Tigers’ best.

Wentworth continues streak as finals loom

WENTWORTH used its A Grade netball match against sixth-placed Imperials as a fine-tuning exercise in preparation for the looming finals.

However, itsr commanding 42-goal victory is evidence little further tinkering is required.

Imperials started this game full of pep and vigour and was well in the game early, with both teams exchanging goals.

Suddenly, as is becoming common practice, the Roos girls lifted and quickly slammed on four unanswered goals to build a handy buffer.

The remainder of the first term was reasonably even.

Wentworth finished the quarter with a 6-goal lead.

With some minor issues addressed at quarter time, Wentworth then showed its strength to dominate the remainder of the game.

Without key defender Natalie Vercher, Wentworth went in with a different structure moving Elizabeth Rowe to defence.

Rowe showed her versatility and was instrumental with her defensive intercepts and rebounds.

The change in structure also meant Molly Mangan played as a mobile goal attack, and the smaller shooting set-up demanded quick ball movement in transition.

Mangan and Molly Young were critical to this speed on the ball, and ultimately coach Amanda Edwards capped off their excellent work, scoring 63 of her team’s 72 goals.

Edwards was happy that her team was continuing to get the job done.

“Each game we just want to keep improving, and I think each game we have been doing with those little things,” she said.

“It was a really good win today, and I’m happy the way that girls pushed on.”

On Rowe’s switch to defence Edwards said: “Lizzy played an awesome game today”.

“She’s been put in there for the past few couple of weeks and is having a go. It’s a great thing about having versatile players, you know she can play both ends really well, so we’re very lucky with that.

“Obviously, missing Nat is a big out for us, but I thought Lizzie stepped up today and did really well.”

Imperials coach Deb Scott was complimentary of both the opposition and commitment of the youth that have been given recent opportunities in the top grade.

‘They are an amazing team,” she said. “I know they had a few out today, so did we, but they were great.

“We’ve been playing a couple of girls from the B grade and from the under 17, so we’ve got a few girls out, and it was a great opportunity for them. They’re doing a fantastic job.”

On the game, Scott added: “We had opportunities we just made a few too many unforced errors, and they capitalised on them”.

Fight for final four

IRYMPLE, which has been on the hunt for a spot in the final four, has just fallen short of a win, losing by one goal to the previously eighth-placed Merbein.

The Swallows, which needs all the wins they can to contest South Mildura for the fourth spot, was pushed hard by Merbein, which gave their all to grab another win, 46-45.

Merbein had previously only defeated ninth-placed Robinvale Euston and drawn with South. Saturday’s win bumps them up to seventh place, ahead of Red Cliffs.

Irymple has been able to maintain its fifth-spot between South Mildura and Imperials, which is also looking for a finals position.

Irymple’s best were Sophie Price and Jorja Delcastegne. Merbein’s best were Johannah Gray and Sophie Gray.

In the other game, South Mildura couldn’t match second-placed Mildura, which continued its strong form to defeat the team 52-38.

Mildura has only been defeated by Wentworth.

South Mildura’s best were Maddison Toms and Tayla Sellens. Mildura’s best were Zara Copley and co-coach Jessica McNamara.