MILDURA, boosted by the return of a number of key players, proved simply too strong for Robinvale Euston at the Brian Weightman Oval courts on Saturday.
A 20-goal first-quarter blast by the Demons sealed the game’s outcome and although the undersized Eagles battled gamely for the rest of the encounter, they were simply no match for the last year’s A Grade runners-up in the 66-38 loss.
After going down to Irymple the previous week, Mildura coach and goal attack Ellie Vincent was pleased to see her charges return to normal service and solidify their place near the top of the table.
“The girls did well today, and we are slowly progressing, but we still have got to work on some things,” Vincent said.
“A win is always a good thing … it was great having all the girls back this week, which helped with the routine. We have a solid nine of us and are slowly developing others that can fill in the slots when we have got girls down,” she said.
“We just need to work on our communication and those connections and improving on what we already have got; that’s what we are going to be working on over the next few weeks.”
Versatile Ava Zadow was again outstanding for the Dees.
“Her height and being able to play attack and defence are great assets and she’s amazing at responding. Give her a direction and she goes out and does it. Those players are rare and I am lucky to have her on my side,” Vincent said of Zadow, who shared the side’s “best” honours with Jess McNamara for the second week in a row.
The Eagles’ tough 1-6 start to the season continues but assistant coach Taneh Romeo saw positive signs emerge from the lopsided encounter.
“Mildura are always top contenders and are hard work to play against in any circumstances, but the girls just kept going, kept fighting and nobody dropped their heads,” Romeo said.
“I don’t think the scoreboard reflected it much, but I thought it was still a good game,” she said. “I am proud of the effort.”
Things get no easier for Robinvale Euston this week as they host reigning champions Wentworth.
Aida Natale and Kirsten Neyland were named the Eagles’ best while Isabelle Giofrelle was awarded a bottle of red for her efforts by the hosts.
Mildura 66 d Robinvale Euston 38
BEST: Mildura: Ava Zadow, Jessica McNamara. Robinvale Euston: Aida Natale, Kirsten Neyland.
– Tym Glaser
