By Tym Glaser
SOUTH Mildura pulled away in the second half to claim a tough victory against Merbein at the Kenny Park courts on Saturday.
The scores in the SFNL A Grade clash were tied at 23 apiece going into the main break but the visiting Bulldogs moved up an extra gear in the second half in a relatively low-scoring affair to hold a 36-29 lead after the third quarter and maintain that seven-point margin at the final horn – 45-38.
Raquel Ban and Taylor Sellens were named best for the visitors but coach Sally Moore said her team’s mid-court efforts provided the decisive factor in a game which saw Magpie wing attack Olivia Bowden leave with a severe left-arm injury just before halftime and taken to hospital.
“It was a very contested game, very sticky and it was unfortunate for them (to lose a player) but it was an impressive performance from our midcourt today,” Moore said. “They (Merbein) are a wonderful side … they play very smart defence.
“In term of where we are, we are focusing on our attack this year and it is really rewarding to see each week thst we are getting better and better on the court.”
Sisters Johannah and Sophie Gray were nominated best for the Magpies.
