Robinvale’s late surge the difference

Carmina Drummer

IN a thrilling round of SFNL A Grade netball, Robinvale Euston came from behind to defeat Irymple 52 to 47 at Henshilwood Oval on a wintry Saturday afternoon.

Under gloomy skies and light winds, it was the Swallows who started strongest, riding a vocal home crowd to a dominant 15-9 lead at quarter time.

Irymple’s early intensity was anchored by standout defensive efforts from goal keeper Alice Leeder, and Kasey Caristo at goal defence, while centre Evie Oldham worked tirelessly to match the Eagles’ pace through the midcourt.

Despite the early deficit, Robinvale Euston clawed back in the second term, outscoring the Swallows 14 to 10, with wing defence Kirsten Neyland putting in a pivotal best-on-court performance to reduce the margin to just three at half-time.

The contest tightened in the third, as midcourt pressure intensified.

Irymple’s Tarlia Couzner continued her impressive form, combining well with Samantha Garraway who made an immediate impact after moving into goal attack.

However, the Eagles’ defensive pairing of Neyland and Jorja Delcastenge began to turn the tide, transitioning the ball effectively through the centre via Belle Giofrelle.

Trailing all day, the Eagles came alive in the final term.

The wind eased, allowing Giofrelle to consistently find key target Sarah Hepburn with pinpoint passes.

Hepburn was then unstoppable under the post, finishing with 29 goals, and sits third in league goal scoring.

A crucial intercept by Delcastenge at Irymple’s centre pass saw Robinvale Euston hit the front for the first time, sparking a seven to nil run to close out the match.

In a gritty, high-pressure contest, Robinvale Euston’s late surge secured a hard-earned five-goal win on the road.