ROBINVALE Euston A Grade coach Hayley Siddons said she was “so proud” of her side’s ability to fight back against Imperials, leading to a dramatic 48-all draw at John James Oval.
After falling behind at the final change, the Eagles and Imps played out an enthralling contest before a goal in the dying second from the home side saw the points split.
It marks the third draw of the season and the second for seventh-placed Imperials, who were best served by Kia Scott and Grace Kelly.
Siddons said while she would have loved to have secured back-to-back wins, she believes her side’s confidence is growing week on week.
“It was an awesome game of netball from both sides and really exciting to be part of,” she said.
“We were coming in off a win which is pretty rare territory for us, but we were very hopeful going into the contest.
“We had the lead for a lot of the first half but a few lapses in concentration in the third cost us. We gave away a few obstruction penalties and we didn’t adjust to that which gave them the lead.
“We were down by about three at the final change and the last quarter went goal for goal, but we managed to get one with about five seconds left to level the scores.”
Georgia Giofrelle’s breakout season at goal attack continued with another superb performance alongside Mia Doherty.
“Georgia has been our star this year,” Siddons said.
“She’s only 20 and still got lot of growth left in her, but I think the fact she’s settled at GA this year has helped, and she knows I have the confidence in her.”
The Eagles have used 26 different players in their A Grade side and 24 in B Grade this year, meaning no line-up has been the same two weeks in a row.
“Every week it’s a battle for us to fill in the defensive positions especially but I think there’s a real sense of confidence building among the girls,” Siddons said. “Some additional game knowledge will help them into the future.”
Robinvale Euston face the unrelenting Wentworth this week, while Imperials can make ground on the top four contenders if they can beat Red Cliffs.
-Mitch Rodd
IN Greek mythology, Oedipus solved the Riddle of the Sphinx after many before him had been devoured following false answers.
It’s going to take a similar mythical effort to unravel the Riddle of the Roos before seemingly invincible Wentworth eats up the entire SFNL A Grade again this season.
The runaway ladder leaders and defending champions marched to their 10th straight victory in 2023, against No. 3-ranked South Mildura, at the chilly Mildura Sporting Precinct courts by a more than comfortable 27 goals.
They burst out of the gates and held a game-winning 18-4 lead at the first break, then enhanced that to 31-13 at halftime.
The Bulldogs held steady in the third before Wenty turned it up a notch in the final act, which ended 57-30.
The Roos simply have talent to burn all over the court, and a system their opponents cannot breach.
“We got plenty of ball but we just didn’t finish off in the attacking third in that third quarter, so we’ve got plenty to work on,” said sharp-shooting coach Amanda Edwards, trying to find some fault after the lopsided encounter.
However, she did concede her team was travelling pretty well.
“I think our brand of netball is probably what is winning us games … and our structures,” Edwards said. “The key word for us is discipline and sticking with those structures.”
Goal shooter Edwards outscored Souths on her own with 34 points, but following the unwritten player/coach rule, her team’s best went to Ashlee Cameron and Courtney Wakefield.
The hosts’ top performers were deemed to be Tara Bate and Tayla Sellens.
– Tym Glaser
CONNECTION is at the heart of how Mildura plays netball, and the Demons A Grade side is one well in sync.
A commanding 62 to 35 win over top four contender in Merbein at Brian Weightman Oval was another impressive full-court performance by the second-placed side, proving that only the brilliant Wentworth stand between them and flag favouritism.
Captain and reigning Jackie Horkings Medal winner Jess McNamara said her side are enjoying playing together, not only for the scoreboard.
“We were just saying (post-game) it’s really pleasant to be playing together and it’s not just about winning, it’s about actually enjoying the game with the teammates we have,” she said.
“I think it’s about the connection with the girls that you have. I know we try train twice a week and play once a week but as long as we connect as a team as well on and off court as well it’s important, and I think that’s something we do.
“I think all of us just thought we played well as a team. Merbein played really well, they kept coming at us so we definitely didn’t think we had it in the bag at all.”
Mildura’s 20-goal half-time lead ensured they were in control, and while Merbein’s possession-based game was on show, some inaccurate back passes were to their detriment by allowing Demon defenders in.
Defensive trio Milli Steward, Ava Zadow and Katelyn Challis were well in sync and pulled out many impressive interceptions to maintain control.
“They are amazing every week,” McNamara said of the defenders.
“They give great voice, they’re in sync, they get good intercepts and they just know how to bring it out of that defence down to us.”
Ally Leng’s work in the centre was a catalyst for athletic attackers McNamara, Ellie Vincent and Maddie Alvino to find space, with their exceptional positioning a real highlight.
In her return A Grade match following a horror ankle injury last year, Magpies coach Breigh Hammet led by example in defence alongside Sophie Kroehn, however, they were powerless at times to stop the Demons bullet passes.
Mildura head into the bye, while Merbein have a vital home game against Ouyen United.
-Mitch Rodd
Ouyen rebounded from last week’s loss to a dominant Wentworth, superbly recording a comprehensive 47 – 32 goal win over Irymple.
The Kangas separated themselves from the Swallows early, racing out to an eight-goal lead at quarter time.
Maggie Smith was the focal point for the Kangas, scoring 10 of her 30 goals in the first quarter.
Irymple’s Indy Spratt did her best to keep her side in the game, scoring all 10 goals in the second quarter, which was the only quarter the Swallows would win.
Ouyen responded with a 16-8 goal third quarter, which put the game beyond doubt.
It was quite the contrast from their first encounter this season. In fact, Smith’s 30 goals outscored Ouyen’s 29 goals they managed in that game, which Irymple won by 10.
Kangas coach Kyra Nathan was full of praise for 14-year-old Smith, who starred in just her second A Grade game this season.
“Maggie is a tall, holding shooter, which our team has been used to in previous years,” she said. “She’s got a lot of potential and can play at both ends of the court. She is a sponge. She listens and is ready to take on feedback.
“Catherine Brown had some excellent sweeps into the circle and complimented Maggie well. It was a much better team game by us this week.”
Ellen Morrish was dominant in centre.
The win sees the Kangas in the top four for the first time this season and makes for a tantalising match up against Merbein, the team Ouyen replaced this week.
“It’s a must win for us to solidify fourth spot,” noted Nathan.
Irymple’s best were Spratt in goal attack and Sophie Price in wing defence.
They will be looking to them to perform well again to knock off third-placed South Mildura to stay in touch of that coveted fourth position.
-Nic Vine
