SOUTH Mildura made a big statement in a crushing win over Ouyen United 45-37 on their Ladies Day as they solidified fourth position on the SFNL A Grade netball ladder.
It was the Bulldogs’ game from the start as they got out to a six-goal lead, with star shooter Maddison Jess shooting 10 goals herself in the opening quarter.
The Kangas lifted to their normal level in the second term to peg the margin back to just two goals.
Most times the Kangas would run over sides from this position, but not against South Mildura. They responded like a side determined to play finals, putting on 25 goals in the last half.
What makes it even more impressive is that they did it against a full-strength Ouyen United side.
With young shooter Maggie Smith available, the Kangs reshuffled some combinations but couldn’t find one able to match South.
Winning playing-coach Tara Bate said she was delighted with the Bulldogs’ performance.
“We brought the intensity today and our combinations are continuing to develop each week” Bate said.
“We keep talking about putting pressure on the opposition and we did that today.”
Jess and Tayla Sellens were the best players for the Bulldogs.
“Maddi brings her best each week. She seems to be able to shoot from anywhere. When she needs to pull something out of her bag, she just goes” praised Bate.
Bate was also impressed that the Bulldogs were able to use their “mental fitness” and “kicked it into gear” when the Kangas challenged them.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for South Mildura.
They were winless after five rounds, and now sit in fourth after winning their past six fixtures.
They will enjoy going into their bye entrenched in the top five.
For Ouyen United, Ellen Morrish was relentless in the midcourt and Smith was a focal point in attack.
Ouyen face a tough run, with games against Mildura, Irymple and Wentworth to come.
