NANGILOC have proven they are back stronger than ever, after defeating rivals Bambill in an intense grand final rematch.
Nangiloc and Bambill were neck and neck in the first half of Saturday’s Mega Day game.
The Demons were hungry for the win, after losing to the Saints in last year’s final showdown.
Back this season, with a very different playing group, undefeated Nangiloc have proven they are still grand final worthy and redeemed themselves after the loss.
The fourth quarter was where Nangiloc gave their all, desperate not to lose their lead after they finished the third quarter 30-26.
Nangiloc fought hard to score 12 goals to Bambill’s nine in the final fifteen minutes, bringing the final score to 42-35.
Co-coach Tamara Loveridge said it was a “really tough” game against the strong side.
“It was very nerve-racking,” she said.
“Obviously we didn’t know what positions we were coming up against because we had heard things from other clubs about how they have structured it … but they were definitely strong throughout every single player.”
Loveridge said the final quarter was where the intensity “stepped up”.
“(The final quarter’s intensity) got us fired up, we knew that the third quarter was what really changed it, they came out really hard and we had to sort of break free from there,” she said.
Loveridge praised shooters Tess Thompson and Chloe Nelson and defenders Ginine Sluiter and Gabby Gardner.
“(Bambill’s) defence was sensational, the fact that we could even get it in goal meant that our goalies (were best on),” she said.
“And our defence is probably the best in the whole competition, week in week out they’re our best as well.”
The round 6 game was the first loss for Bambill this season.
The Saint’s best were Samantha Garraway, Paige Valinoti and Kaylie Monaghan.
Gol Gol v Meringur
AN impressive final quarter from Gol Gol allowed them to score eight uninterrupted goals and secure their second win for the season.
Gol Gol and Meringur, who came into the round with only one win each, began the game going goal for goal.
It was in the second quarter that Gol Gol began to establish a small lead, as their shooters worked hard against Meringur defenders Maddy McPhee and Sarah Kiel.
Gol Gol’s defenders put the pressure on in the final quarter to ensure Meringur didn’t catch up, intercepting and rebounding nearly every ball.
The strong defence allowed the ball to travel back down to the Hawks’ ring, where shooters Abbey Lovell and Chelsea Henderson went for an eight-goal run.
The Hawks finished the game with a score of 47-34.
Gol Gol’s Taleesha Beer said it was a “really challenging” game.
“It took probably the first two quarters to find our feet out there, but I think once we got the groove of things, our attack and offence were just on fire,” she said.
“The lot of us just worked and it flowed really well.”
Beer, who was awarded the Spirit of Sport medal for the game, said she thought both ends of the court had performed well.
“I think GS Abbey Lovell was on fire today she was absolutely killing it,” she said.
“As well as GK Amy (Hunt) and GD Brooke (Oosting), their defence is just on point.”
Beer said it felt good to have another win on the board.
“It definitely livened the spirits again and I think that today really cemented the strength of our team and I am excited for the weeks to come,” she said.
“It will be interesting to see how we go.”
Meringur’s best were Lakayla Pettit, Susie Wilson and Teagan Pettigrew.
Gol Gol’s were Lovell, Henderson and Hunt.
Werrimull v Cardross
WERRIMULL went home with a 35-goal win against Cardross in what was a high-scoring and fast-paced contest.
The A Grade Mega Day opener between the third and sixth-placed sides produced 99 goals.
Werrimull found their feet early in the game and maintained a strong lead for all four quarters, finishing with a score of 64-35.
Cardross was unable to keep up with the Pies’ polished gameplay, despite having strength across the court.
Cardross GS Montanna Ezzey performed well for the Lions, scoring 30 of the team’s 35 goals.
Werrimull GS Aislinn Campbell worked well with GA Brooke Watson to fight off Cardross’ defenders.
Best on for the Pies was Campbell, Olivia Putland and Rachel Thomas. Cardross’ were Ezzey, Emily Gleeson and Ebony Greenhill.
