A HORRIFIC injury to Merbein playing coach Breigh Hammet saw Saturday’s match against Imperials called off early in the third quarter.
The tight match, which had seventh-placed Merbein leading sixth-placed Imperials by a few points at three-quarter time, ended unexpectedly after Hammet dislocated her ankle resulting in a compound fracture.
Umpire Alexandra West posted to the club’s Facebook page on Saturday afternoon, stating that Hammet had her foot reset at hospital.
“It’s a dislocation of the bottom part of her leg from the ankle which has gone through her skin,” the post read.
“She will be in hospital for a few days with surgery.
“All she kept saying was sorry and I hope everyone else is okay.”
West wrote that Merbein was a “beautiful club” and the care shown to Breigh and her family was amazing.
Imperials’ coach Deb Scott said that while it was disappointing that the game was called off, under the circumstances, it was completely understandable.
Scott said her team was concerned for Hammet and wished her well.
“What happened to Breigh was just awful,” she said.
“We just wish her all the best for a speedy recovery.”
Kangas win thriller
Ouyen’s A-grade side consolidated third spot in a thrilling one-goal win over South Mildura in a see-sawing contest on Saturday.
South Mildura had a chance to tie the game in the last 30 seconds, but the nervous shot dropped short. Ouyen collected the rebound and controlled possession.
Only the official scorers knew of the shot’s importance, however, as the scoreboard on the opposite side had Ouyen leading by three goals.
A 9-2 run by South to end the first quarter got them a four-goal lead at the first break.
The Bulldogs were rebounding superbly, denying the Kangas second chances and allowing themselves to make-up for missed shots. A few errant long passes by the Bulldogs let Ouyen back into the contest in the second quarter.
The Kangas shot accurately to capitalise, turning a four-goal deficit into a three-goal lead.
Ouyen’s Julia Woodall scored 15 goals in the half on A-grade debut.
Kangas coach Kyra Nathan was pleased with how her team recovered from a quarter-time deficit.
“We had two debutants today, so it took us a quarter to get used to the new combinations,” she said.
“After the first quarter, we were much more patient moving up the court, trying to get the ball to the goal circle before throwing it in.”
Goal keeper Casey Crothers rose to another level in the second half, intercepting any poor Bulldog passes, and protected Ouyen’s lead desperately.
Megan Jardine played her role in wing defence to perfection to be Ouyen’s best.
South Mildura coach Georgia Chase was disappointed in the loss, but proud of the team’s performance.
“It was a good game by our girls,” said Chase. “Ouyen’s a really great side, so to lose by just one is a good effort.”
Under-17 star Morna Naquto played a great game in goal defence in an enthralling match-up against Tayla Willsmore.
“Morna is going to go far in her netball, she has played so well this season,” said Chase. “Our midcourt played really well. Madi Toms gives great talk down the court to lead the team.”
There was just as much attention paid to the B-grade game, with fourth spot on the line.
It was a high-quality game, with four players from the A-grade game playing. Ouyen led from start to finish in a 50-31 win to swap fourth spot with the Bulldogs.
Dees dominate Eagles
Apart from the final quarter of this A-grade netball match, when the defensive regulars were rested to give upcoming youth invaluable senior experience, Mildura was dominant in their home match against Robinvale Euston on Saturday.
Both teams took a while to adjust to the breezy conditions, the opening quarter the least productive of the four quarters with just 17 combined goals scored.
However, Mildura demonstrated their superiority across the court to build an early five-goal buffer at the first break.
The narrative didn’t change throughout the second and third quarters. Mildura convincingly won each quarter by eight and then 11 goals, in what proved to be an excellent opportunity to fine-tune in preparation for the upcoming finals.
Height advantage at both ends of the court and a preparedness to take the game on through the mid-court when transitioning were critical to their dominance. Alexandra Leng was instrumental for the home team, mostly playing as the centre.
Captain Katelyn Challis was composed in defence amongst those putting in a genuine team effort.
With finals approaching, Challis conceded that her team is using every opportunity to refine their game in preparation to tackle the competition’s best at the business end of the season.
“We really tried to piece everything we’ve been working on at training together today,” she said. “With finals coming up, we want to sharpen our skills and put on a good show.”
When asked about the height advantages, Challis added: “We know Zara (Copely) is a great holder in the ring.
“She and Jess (McNamara) worked really well together, and ‘Shaz’ (Sharon Watson) in defence, she and Ava (Zadow) get hands over everything.”
The Eagles played the game out well, keeping pace with Mildura in the final term, and had some good contributors.
Defenders Georgie Kelly and Shakira Hingano toiled hard, and the Giofrelle sisters Georgia and Isabelle were consistent throughout the game, but ultimately the Demons were too classy.
Roos flying high
In the other A-grade game on Saturday, Wentworth remained undefeated after 16 rounds with a comprehensive 84-25 win against Red Cliffs at Dareton.
The Roos’ dynamic duo of playing coach Amanda Edwards and Molly Mangan were the home side’s best players.
For the Tigers, Sarah Carn and Yelena Richardson had solid games.
