WENTWORTH’S formidable A Grade netball run has taken another step forward as the reigning champions secured the minor premiership.
It came in a solid win over second-placed Mildura 57-35 at George Gordon Oval as the Roos continue to pose the question of who will break their 61-game winning streak.
While it was a comfortable margin at the end of the game the Dees, minus playing coach Ellie Vincent, still showed plenty of glimpses as to why they’re considered of the top contenders to Wentworth’s throne.
Despite the cold, wind and some rain, which made the court greasy in the second half, winning coach Amanda Edwards said she was pleased with her side’s four-quarter effort.
Wentworth’s defensive positioning and vice-like grip when the opposition has possession again proved too much, with deflections and interceptions being made across the court, not just in the defensive third.
“Really happy with today’s effort and managed to get all nine players on the court, which I was really proud of, the younger ones stepping up and getting a go against a quality side like Mildura,” Edwards said.
“I thought our resilience today was great, we were really hard in attack and pushing on.
“We were getting deflections and taps even in the goals third from a missed shot or something – everyone’s team effort was huge.
“Our main focus is either that we’re all attacking or all defending. That’s really crucial for us and you probably notice that with our defensive transition and vice versa, if we turn it over than us attackers are defending it all the way down.”
Molly Mangan’s incisive passing into the shooting ring was outstanding, while young defender Lola McInerney continues to impress with regular minutes.
Mildura’s Jess McNamara moved into defence from quarter-time and did an impressive job in tough circumstances, while Ava Zadow continues to shine since her move into attack.
With Irymple getting a victory over South Mildura, the Demons slip back to third place ahead of a match-up between the two sides this weekend.
The final positioning between Mildura and the Swallows will be irrelevant as they are guaranteed to finish either second or third and hold a final double chance.
