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,” Watson said. “I thought they stepped up to the contest brilliantly.
“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.”
– Matt Taylor
SPRATT ON SONG
IRYMPLE’S A Graders have proved they can maintain their own game style when faced with tough defensive pressure, taking home a win against Red Cliffs on Saturday.
In what was a low-scoring affair in the opening half, Irymple were ahead by only three at the end of the first quarter.
Irymple shooters Meg Hammond and Olivia Tassone complemented each other well in the ring.
Red Cliffs had scored six goals to the Swallow’s nine and were using defence across the court to slow the opposition’s lead.
In the second quarter, Irymple only managed to score eight goals as Red Cliffs remained on their heels with seven goals.
But it was in the second half that Irymple were able to run away from Red Cliffs.
A move from Irymple’s Indi Spratt into goal attack in the final quarter re-energized the side, as she scored eight of the last 14 goals.
Red Cliffs coach Chantal Allford said despite the loss, she thought her team had played really well.
“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 Delcastegne 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.”
– Sarah Buchecker
ROOS ROLL ON
WENTWORTH further stamped their superiority on this year’s SFNL A Grade 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 the 2019 grand final.
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.”
– Tym Glaser
GRAY LEADS PIES
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 centre Sophie Gray one of her team’s best.
Both of the girls in goals (Zali McMonmes and Emily Gray) also won the matchup against the Eagles.
The Giofrelle sisters, Georgia and Belle, provided a solid two-pronged attack for the Eagles but as the game continued their opportunities became limited.
“We spoke before the game about how Robinvale are a very quick-moving team,” Magpies coach Breigh Hammet said.
“As the game went on we started to settle and we were able to maintain possession.
“I think that’s what got it for us there in the end. I’m really happy that the girls just settled in attack.”
– Josh Riseley
