By netball writers TYM GLASER, SARAH BUCHECKER and JOSH RISELEY
Imps goal attack Montana Avery. Picture: Ben Gross
ROOS JUST TOO GOOD
WENWORTH further stamped their superiority on this year’s A League netball competition with a 75-21 humbling of finals hopefuls Imperials at the Brian Weightman Oval courts.
The hosts found few ways through the Roos’ swarming defence and were also unable to push back the reigning premiers when they went on the attack through ultra-slick passing and great conversion in front of the net.
Playing coach Amanda Edwards netted 44 goals for the victors but Christie Becker and former AFLW player Courtney Wakefield were selected best on-court for the rampaging Roos, who seem to not have lost a game since Mungo Man was a youngster.
New recruit Eden Heinrich and Laura Hayter were named the host’s best on a tough day out.
“It was really physical, and we knew Imps were going to come out hard and I am very happy with today’s effort,” Edwards said after the lopsided encounter.
“I think it (the team’s success) comes down to our conversion when it comes to intercepts and making it count at the other end and rewarding our defenders.
“I class our defence as the best in the league and in practice we get to go against them so that makes us up forward even better,” the goal attack said.
Mildura’s Jessica McNamara receives a pass. Picture: Paula Mastrippolito
Mildura blows off South
MILDURA kept their unbeaten record intact on Saturday when they fended off South Mildura 46-36 in a physical SFNL A Grade round 5 contest.
The strong wind gusts at Mildura Sporting Precinct blew dust from the carpark on to the court, making it a bit slippery, but the Dees gripped on for their fourth win of the season.
Coach Sharon Watson said she “couldn’t be happier” with her team’s performance against the fighting Dogs (3-2).
“It was a physical game and we had to dig deep. I thought they stepped up to the contest brilliantly,” Watson said.
“The umpires did a really good job because it could have got quite nasty out there.
“We still have quite a new team, but I can see improvement week in, week out with our combinations.”
She singled out Ava Zadow for her strong influence at goal defence.
“She’s so solid for us,” Watson said.
Bulldogs coach Sally Moore was delighted with her team’s effort and composure under pressure despite the loss.
“I thought both sides played well,” she said.
“It was physical and we thrive off that. But they were giving it too.
“For us it was a two-phased game. In the first half our offence was fantastic and our defence did their job.
“I had to make some changes, including pulling out a defender, due to some umpiring decisions. But we showed our versatility in that the girls were able to adapt well to the changes.
“We played a really good side today and to come out and match up so well, I’m really excited about where we’re heading.”
Yelena Richardson. Picture: Sarah Buchecker
Swallows tough it out
IRYMPLE’S A Graders have proved they can maintain their own game style when faced with tough defensive pressure, taking home a 40-25 win against Red Cliffs on Saturday.
In what started as a low scoring affair, Irymple were ahead by only three at the end of the first quarter.
Irymple shooters Meg Hammond and Olivia Tassone complimented each other well in the ring.
Red Cliffs had scored six to the Swallows’ nine and were using defence across the court to slow the opposition’s lead.
GD Yelena Richardson was in strong form stealing rebound from the Swallows.
In the second quarter Irymple only managed to score eight as Red Cliffs remained on their heels with seven goals.
But it was in the second half, however, that Irymple’s score was able to run away from Red Cliffs’ and continued the team maintained their lead until the final siren.
A move from Irymple’s Indi Spratt into GA in the final quarter reenergized the side, as she scored eight of the last 14 goals.
Red Cliffs coach Chantal Allford said despite the loss, she thought the girls had played really well as a team.
“Their movement down the court was really good, they backed each other,” she said.
“I think they found a little bit more confidence in the ring, which we had lost over the last couple of weeks.
“Overall not disappointed in that game.
“I thought the girls actually did really well.”
Irymple’s Shakara Delcastagne said she thought her team had played really well together and everyone stepped up.
She praised the team’s defenders for their work putting pressure on Red Cliffs’ shooters.
“I think our defenders played awesome. Jorja Delcastagne and Mackenzie Ryan did really well in the ring the first three quarters, then Lily Droffelaar,” she said.
“Also Sophie Price in wing defence doesn’t go unnoticed with all her pressure.”
Magpies do it easy
MERBEIN comfortably defeated Robinvale-Euston away from home on Saturday.
Small patches of nice play from the visitors was nowhere near enough to challenge the Magpies who were strong across the court winning 54-35.
The midfield made their presence felt for the magpies and managed to slow down the fast paced Eagles with Emily Gray and Johannah Gray among the many that played well for the team.
Georgie Kelly was best for the home side.
RANK TEAM P W L D B FW FL F A Pts Calc
1 Wentworth 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 360 110 20 327.27
2 Mildura 4 4 0 0 1 0 0 194 144 16 134.72
3 Irymple 5 3 2 0 0 0 0 191 180 12 106.11
4 South Mildura 5 3 2 0 0 0 0 184 231 12 79.65
5 Merbein 4 2 2 0 1 0 0 178 170 8 104.71
6 Imperials 4 1 2 1 1 0 0 139 182 6 76.37
7 Rob Euston 5 1 4 0 0 0 0 171 252 4 67.86
8 Red Cliffs 4 0 3 1 1 0 0 121 211 2 57.35
9 Ouyen United 4 0 4 0 1 0 0 112 170 0 65.88
