Bulldogs hold firm against Pies

SOUTH Mildura pulled away in the second half to claim a tough victory against Merbein at the Kenny Park courts.

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.

They held a 36-29 lead after the third quarter and maintained that seven-point margin at the final siren, 45-38.

Raquel Ban and Tayla Sellens were named best for the visitors but coach Sally Moore said her team’s midcourt efforts proved 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 terms of where we are, we are focusing on our attack this year and it is really rewarding to see each week that we are getting better and better on the court.”

Sisters Johannah and Sophie Gray were the Magpies’ best players.