THE Ouyen United Kangas’ journey from the floor to the four continued on Saturday, playing out an enthralling 48 goals-apiece draw against second-placed Mildura, the fifth tied game of the A Grade season.
The pivotal moment was an errant Kangas pass in their attacking third being intercepted and transitioned to Mildura’s end to level the scores.
Other than Wentworth, no other team had been within 10 goals of Mildura, but the Kangas are finding their best as the season progresses.
Not much separated the sides all game. Ouyen shot off to a flying start, but Mildura regathered and led at the first change.
Mildura captain Jess McNamara scored 16 of her 36 goals in the second quarter to extend the margin to four at the main break.
The Kangas were exceptional in the fourth quarter to regain the lead but coach Kyra Nathan described it as “similar to the Grand Final” in how they weren’t able to secure victory.
Despite not getting the full points, Nathan was pleased with her team’s performance.
“It was a really enjoyable, skilled game, with both teams contesting fairly,” she said.
“It was probably worthy of a draw as both teams played well. We played a good team game today, with everyone playing their role.”
The major positive for Mildura coach Sharon Watson, who couldn’t recall being a part of a draw as a senior coach, was her team’s ability to come back in the last quarter to split the points.
“I was happy with our girls coming back. We were down by a few and could have given up,” she said.
“A slow start didn’t help today. We were a bit flat, not our usual selves and Ouyen were hungry and up and about.
“The outcome of a draw in the end, I’m pretty happy with that.”
Ouyen had two familiar names in their best, with Catherine Brown shooting at over 90 per cent accuracy and Ellen Morrish in centre.
Mildura’s best were midcourter Ally Lang and ‘keeper Millie Seward.
