MILDURA’S ponytailed assassins, Jess McNamara and Ellie Vincent, put in a stellar attacking display to lower South Mildura’s colours by a commanding 24 goals in their SFNL A Grade clash on Saturday.
There was more hair flying in the goal circle than in the musical of the same name, as captain McNamara and playing coach Vincent linked beautifully to help seal the 62-38 victory on the Mildura Sporting Precinct netball courts.
In their second season together, the dynamic duo now plays on a virtual nod and a wink in finding space for each other and icing the build-ups.
Vincent was all smiles when asked about her slick combination with McNamara.
“I love playing with Jess, we have a nice little connection under the ring,” the star goal attack said.
“She’s got an extra half body on me, and it’s nice having her height in there.
“We’re building on the year we had together last year. She played with a few of the girls I played with in Melbourne, so I feel she’s like that little bit of ‘home’ for me.”
The Dees’ 4-0 start to the season, on the back of making last year’s grand final, shows they will be a strong challenger again to flag favourite Wentworth, who are the only other unbeaten team after four rounds.
Vincent praised the performances of three Dee debutants in Saturday’s win, under-17 players Ashton Wade and Elke Meehan, as well as B Grader Caitlyn Adamson.
But she was most pleased with her team’s composure on the ball.
“The girls slowed the game down when we needed to,” she said, before adding with a laugh, “they actually have to, because I’m the older one now and I need them to slow down because I can’t keep up.”
In fact, Sharon Watson was the oldest player on the court.
The 51-year-old could be forgiven for spending Saturday lunchtimes out with mates for a bite to eat, or cooling her heels at home with a cup of hot chocolate and watching movies.
Instead, she patrols the defence with great authority, alongside rising star Millie Seward, who resembles the league’s best defender, Roo Nat Vercher, with her strength and tenacity.
Vincent said of Seward: “She worked hard in the pre-season with her strength and direction on the court.
“You can see the results of that now.”
The Dees have the bye this weekend, while the winless Bulldogs face the might of the Roos.
