Dees, Eagles search for first win

THE Demons and Eagles will be keen to put frustrating round one performances behind them and open their win accounts at Brian Weightman Oval courts today.

Hosts Mildura were playing catch-up for most of the sweltering day against a rejuvenated Red Cliffs outfit last week and, in the end, had to settle for a 46 to 46 stalemate.

Co-coach Ava Zadow was dominant in defence and fellow playing co-coach Jess McNamara was a key target at the other end, but it was the introduction of debutant Ashleigh Morello after the main break that provided the Dees with a much-needed lift.

“She (Morello) absolutely dominated the ring,” McNamara said of the 18-year-old post-game.

Morello, who finished with 13 goals, scored four straight in a two-minute span to give her side its first lead late in the game before the Tigers clawed back to snatch two points was rewarded with the Sunraysia Daily’s Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week nod for round one for her effort.

Out at Compound Accounting Park at Merbein, Robinvale Euston gave the Magpies a serious scare in an encounter featuring numerous lead changes but ultimately went down by two goals, 46 to 44.

Playing coach Georgia Giofrelle was her usual industrial self whether playing centre or forward while goal attack Sarah Hepburn carried the scoring load with 32 goals.

Mid-courter Evie Priest also impressed in her debut for the Eagles.

It’s going to be another hot one today with the mercury set to rise to 32, but the heat will really be on the loser.

Unless, of course, it’s another draw!

Mildura take on Robinvale Euston in A Grade netball at Brian Weightman Oval from 12pm today.

PREDICTION: Demons by five goals