A DOMINANT second half by Wentworth overpowered the plucky Ouyen United Kangas, eventually winning 60-40.
Wentworth had a few challenges in the first half as United forced them to alter their normal game. You have to play four quarters to beat this champion team and Wentworth’s fitness came to the fore after half-time.
Wentworth coach Amanda Edwards was very happy with her team’s second half.
“It’s always a tough contest against Ouyen. They’re a great, physical team and to push away in the second half was a great win in the end,” she said.
Edwards praised the strong performances of defender Christie Becker, who was Wentworth’s most consistent throughout the game, and midcourter Ash Cameron.
Edwards believed the game turned on who could capitalise best on the opposition’s mistakes.
“Ouyen like to hold the ball and don’t turn it over often. When we made turnovers in the first half, Ouyen were able to score down the other end,” she said.
“(It changed) in the second half. We were able to get turnovers ourselves and penalise them down the other end.”
It was a gritty performance from the Kangas, who were missing Ellen Morrish and Esther Manley.
Coach Kyra Nathan lamented Ouyen United’s second half. “I thought we matched them physically and our skill level was really high in the first half,” she said.
“They overpowered us in the second half. They are much fitter, so we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Ouyen United missed Morrish’s drive through the midcourt and tried a few different combinations to cover her absence.
“We will need to build those midcourt combinations whilst she is away,” Nathan said. “Our B Grade is playing well, so we have a few options.”
Maggie Smith, a 15-year-old goaler, held her own against the competition’s best defence. Catherine Brown played well, driving hard onto the ball and matched Wentworth physically, while Casey Crothers did well back in her preferred defensive post.
