Pies warming up

MERBEIN remain within striking distance of the top four in SFNL A Grade netball, with coach Breigh Hammett identifying a number of aspects where her side can improve.

An outstanding third quarter was enough for the Magpies to hold off a spirited Red Cliffs side 52-47 at Kenny Park to remain fifth behind South Mildura.

After leading 26-21 at the half-time break, the Magpies flew out of the blocks to start the third quarter, reaching a 13-point advantage.

Despite a late Tigers rally, the Pies had a big enough buffer to secure the win.

Red Cliffs’ aggressive passing allowed possession to move quickly into attack, however, it also opened a number of interception opportunities for Merbein’s strong defence, marshalled by Sophie Kroehn and captain Johanna Gray.

Sophie Gray had an outstanding centre-court battle with Tigers captain Jacqulyn Bell, while Tiger sisters Jazmin and Jorja Parker were dangerous when given shooting opportunities.

Yelena Richardson and Mickayla Mole tried everything to stop Merbein’s attack, however, too many turnovers proved costly for the visitors.

“I’m happy to take the win, our third quarter was brilliant but we’re still yet to put four quarters together which is a conversation I just had (post-game) with the girls,” Hammett said.

“We take a while to warm up then we seem to have good second and third quarters, but we’re just not finishing well in the fourth term so we need to make sure we play a full four quarters.

“Our defence is not an issue, we’re a defensive team, we get our hands all over the ball and even my attackers defend well. The problem is then maintaining possession and finishing with it.

“They’re a few things we need to work on, we’ll take the win but thank god for how we played in the third.”