MILDURA’S A Grade netball team secured a 63 to 35 win over Merbein on Saturday after a commanding second quarter which proved too much for the Magpies to recover from.
The match opened with a tightly contested affair as the demons edged the first quarter 14-11 with Merbein applying some early scoreboard pressure.
However, the script was flipped in the second term where Mildura charged clear with 12 unanswered goals.
The attacking combination of Ashleigh Morello and player-coach Jessica McNamara proved unstoppable during the run, capitalising on clean midcourt supply.
The pair’s clinical accuracy left Merbein scrambling, as Mildura turned a three goal deficit into a 37-17 halftime advantage.
McNamara continues to underline her reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
Scoring 41 goals by the end of the game, she is firmly seated inside the SFNL top five A Grade goal scorers this season.
Morello offered capable reinforcement with 22 of her own as she equips the Demons playmakers with a reliable target.
The third quarter saw Merbein respond with resistance, but the gap proved too steep to reel in.
Mildura maintained their grip, extending the lead again in the fourth to finish off an assertive and complete showing.
After defeats at the hands of South Mildura and Irymple, the Demons are looking comfortable in the SFNL table once again after back to back victories against Ouyen United and now the Magpies.
McNamara and other co-coach Ava Zadow’s team are second and six points off league leaders, Wentworth Roos.
With the bye next week, Mildura will be able to have a sufficient recovery before their round nine grudge match against the undefeated Wentworth outfit.
Merbein’s loss sees them into fourth on the ladder as they play host to the Roos next weekend at Compound Accounting Park at Merberin.
