A STUNNING second half comeback by Mildura prevented a major upset by Ouyen United at Blackburn Park.
The Kangas adapted to the wet conditions faster than Mildura to get out to a 29-18 lead at half time.
Demon Ava Zadow found another level in the second half to pile on 24 goals, with the visitors winning the last quarter 17-8 to overrun the Kangas, the final score 47-44.
Ouyen United coach Kyra Nathan was pleased by her side’s netball smarts in the first half but lamented their second half fade.
“It’s disappointing to lose after the position we were in at half time,” she said. “When you are in the wet you have to have a different game plan to what you usually have and I thought we stuck to that really well in the first half,.
“We were short and sharp, leading to the ball and our defence was really strong. There were a lot of balls that slipped out of hands, but that was for both sides.”
It’s hard to keep a quality side like Mildura down for long, which Nathan found out.
“Mildura stepped up after half time and we went away from our plan,” she said. “They had a really good target in Zadow. She didn’t miss and pulled some beautiful passes in.”
Mildura would be proud of the mental strength they showed to overcome a tough first half. They stuck to the task and ended up with a memorable win.
WorkSafe Ambassador and former Australian Diamond goal attack Tegan Philip was impressed by what she witnessed between two perennial finalists.
“It was a great game considering the conditions,” said Philip. “Ouyen United played the short game early which is what you need to do in the wet. Mildura’s pressure lifted and they kept chipping away. They converted their possessions and that’s what got them the win in the end.”
Philip presented Kangas GA Catherine Brown with the WorkSafe Medal for best on court. Kate Lockett played her first full game of A Grade for the season and had an impact from WD.
Mildura centre Ally Leng was pivotal in their second half comeback, and Millie Seward was strong in defence.
