WENTWORTH’S extraordinary winning A Grade netball run remains intact after a brilliant first term set up victory in their grand final rematch with Mildura.
The Demons went step for step with the reigning premiers for the rest of the match but ultimately a 14-4 opening quarter established enough of a lead for the Roos to claim a 55-41 victory at Brian Weightman Oval.
The usual breakneck speed-passing game Wentworth display was replaced by a more measured, possession-based contest aimed at denying the Demons as much of the ball as possible.
Mildura also forced the Roos into some uncharacteristic mistakes at times, but the visitors never panicked as coach Amanda Edwards controlled the game in goals.
“It was definitely a game plan of ours (to be a bit more patient),” Edwards said.
“We know Mildura is really strong and can come back at any time, so possession was definitely a key for us today.
“We’ve been speaking about our starts quite a lot at training and we haven’t been able to get that start I’ve been happy with.
“Today was a really great start and a credit to the girls.
“They came out firing.
“They threw a few changes at us and tried a few different combos.
“I thought we adjusted well,
“We still lined up pretty well and the girls did a great job.”
Edwards lauded the work of midcourt player Ashlee Cameron at centre, Molly Mangan at wing attack and captain Christie Becker at wing defence.
“I think that (midcourt) might have been where the game was won a bit,” she said.
“Their performance was great.
“The work ethic of Molly in attack, I think that’s one of the best games I’ve seen her have, and Christie is amazing, she’s just a work horse for our team.”
After the slow start Mildura coach Ellie Vincent swung the changes to begin the second term, throwing Ava Zadow to shooter, Milli Seward into goal defence and herself to the bench before coming on to wing attack.
The changes had an effect as all players in their new positions gave great points of difference, with the Dees proving why they are the biggest challenger for Wentworth in this year’s premiership race.
Alongside Zadow, captain Ally Leng was named in the Dees’ best.
