Camina Drummer
ROBINVALE Euston have broken through for their first Sunraysia Football Netball League A Grade win of the season, downing Red Cliffs 57 to 48 in a high-intensity clash at Quandong Park.
The Tigers came out firing in front of their home crowd, setting the tone with a strong and physical opening quarter.
Zara Copley was electric in goals for the hosts, netting 13 to keep her side level at 15-all.
However, it was the composed leadership of Eagles centre Taneh Romeo that steadied her side early, allowing Robinvale Euston to match Red Cliffs blow for blow.
The second quarter saw a momentum shift.
Key positional changes for the Eagles paid dividends, with playing coach Georgia Giofrelle stepping into the goal circle alongside the ever-reliable Sarah Hepburn.
Belle Giofrelle also made her season debut at wing attack, adding fresh legs and precision delivery into the circle.
The Eagles’ defence tightened, restricting Red Cliffs to just six goals, and went into the main break with a six-goal lead.
Despite Red Cliffs showing grit in the third, outscoring their first half tally in one quarter, the Eagles matched them goal-for-goal.
Georgie Kelly was a standout in wing defence, disrupting the Tigers’ attacking transitions with relentless pressure.
At the other end, the defensive duo of Kirsten Neyland and Jorja Delcastagne made Tigers shooter Jazmin Parker earn every goal.
The final quarter was played in front of a growing, vocal crowd.
The Eagles held strong under pressure, with Hepburn maintaining perfect accuracy.
Copley continued to shine for Red Cliffs with 12 final-term goals, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.
A beaming coach Giofrelle praised her squad’s perseverance post-match.
After a tough 2024 season, Robinvale Euston now take momentum into a home clash against reigning premiers Ouyen.
