Ava Zadow climbs into a catch for Mildura. Picture: Meagan Verstappen
Roos sink Dees in titanic clash
IN front of a large crowd, Wentworth reminded everyone that they are simply in a league of their own in defeating Mildura comfortably 56-41.
With both teams undefeated, it was the undeniably the best matchup of the season so far.
Although Mildura showed flashes, a highlight being the nifty movement of goal shooter Jessica McNamara, the renowned chemistry of the Roos was simply too polished.
“We had our patches where we lost some momentum, but I thought we were able to regroup and come through with some crucial intercepts,” Roos coach Amanda Edwards said.
“That’s definitely one of the toughest games all year.
“Mildura have a got a great young side.”
With the whole team contributing across the court, it was tough to pick out the best players for Wentworth, but Courtney Wakefield was big in defense for the Roos as always, with a number of good interceptions.
“Can never go past the effort that our defence puts in as well. They were big,” Edwards said.
“Everyone did their job … Liz Rowe played really and caused some disruption in the goal circle at the other end as well”
Edwards also agreed that the turnout for the game was impressive for what was an exciting day for both netball and footy at George Gordon Oval.
“Today’s been really big, which is great,” she said.
– Josh Riseley
Imps’ Tracey Shirlock looks to penetrate the Kangas’ defence. Picture: Meagan Verstappen
Kangas getting it together
PERENNIAL finalists Ouyen United gave their SFNL A Grade finals hopes a major boost at the Brian Weightman Oval courts with a solid 43-28 victory over hosts Imperials in tricky conditions.
A game destined to be a scrappy battle of defences between the two sides, who went into the encounter with identical 2-4-1 records and tied for seventh on the table, was not helped by blustery conditions which assisted in producing a large amount of turnovers at both ends of the court.
However, the Kangas managed the fickle breeze and stingy defence better and turned a tricky four-goal halftime lead into a 15-goal win at the final horn.
Ouyen United coach Kyra Nathan was more than happy to net the valuable four points, which keep her team well within reach of the top four.
“I think we are just starting to settle our side, so we have a bit more consistency and we are starting to play full quarters now instead of five-minute spurts,” Nathan said.
“I just hope that the draw we had against South Mildura and those two dropped points don’t come back to bite us now,” she said of an impending tight fight in the second half of the season for top-four berths.
“We just have to keep winning. We play Wentworth next and match-up really well with them. We just have to make finals and then anything can happen.”
Consistent performers Tsharni Burns and Catherine Brown were named the Kangas’ best while Tracey Sherlock and Caitlyn Wood claimed the honours for Imps, who now face a tough road ahead to make the playoffs.
– Tym Glaser
South building a shot at finals
SOUTH Mildura consolidated third place on the SFNL A Grade ladder with a hard-fought 46-33 win against Red Cliffs at Quandong Park.
The visitors held a narrow three-goal lead at half-time before they edged clear for their fifth win of the season on the back of strong defence by Morna Naquto and Sharne Lane.
Bulldogs coach Sally Moore praised her team’s focus in the physical contest.
“It was intense, one-on-one netball for the whole four quarters,” Moore said.
“I felt we adjusted well to their pressure because if we hesitated or our timing was off, it cost us.
“I just told the girls ‘well done’ because it was a well thought-out win.”
At the halfway point of the season, the Bulldogs are well placed to play in the finals.
Asked if the team had exceeded her expectations so far, Moore said: “If you’re looking at it analytically, we’re in a great position.
“In terms of what we’re trying to achieve in our game planning and style of play, we’re right where we want to be.
“Now we can sharpen things up in the second half of the season.”
The Tigers, meanwhile, remain winless this season. However, they haven’t been disgraced in their losses.
Their two points came from a round 1 draw with Imperials.
– Matt Taylor
Pies on the rise
MERBEIN’Ss self belief meter is beginning to fill following a confidence boosting win over Irymple at Henshilwood Park.
The Magpies recovered from a one-goal half time deficit to record a 39 to 33 win over a fellow finals contender.
The opening quarter was full of momentum swings with the Swallow making a break before the Magpies clawed them back.
The offensive rebounding of Irymple shooters Meg Hammond and Olivia Tassone proved pivotal as the home side took a 13 to 9 lead at the first break.
Merbein were happy to play slower and more methodical netball, often passing backwards to open up court space, with Sophie Gray and Stephanie White orchestrating moves into attack.
Merbein shooter Zali McMonnies was on target as the Magpies scored the first four goals of the second term while Sophie Kroehn and Johannah Gray we’re imperious in defence as the Magpies hit an 18 to 16 lead.
Four of the last five goals of the second term went the Swallows way with Indi Spratt’s passing ability helping them to a 20 to 19 half time advantage.
The Swallows swung the changes to start the second half, moving McKenzie Ryan to WA and Lily Droffelaar off the bench to GK.
It was Pies GA Emily Gray who was the star of the show in the third who scored 7 of the 10 goals and the Pies broke out to a 29 to 25 lead at the final change.
The visiting fans were in full voice for every pass, intercept and fingertip touching the ball.
When the pressure was on in the final term, the girls in black and white held up with their strength in the contest playing a real feature.
Young WA Olivia Bowden had an impressive showing for the victors, while Hammond and Shakara Delcastegne did everything in the power to bring their side back into the game.
– Mitch Rodd
