MERBEIN Magpies found a much needed victory against South Mildura Bulldogs in a 38-33 result on Saturday after going seven games without a win.
Despite producing valiant efforts losing by just two goals against both Irymple and Robinvale Euston in recent weeks, the Magpies last game day triumph came in round five against South Mildura as well.
“It was a very tight contest the whole game,” said Merbein coach Johannah Gray.
“Sometimes the score didn’t reflect the game as we felt like it was head to head, goal for goal for a long time.”
With both teams vying for a grip on the contest, Merbein finally found the edge in the final term.
“I thought in the last quarter that we really settled, stayed composed and stuck to our game plan, which I think helped us come away with a win,” Gray said.
“I was expecting a different game, and it was, we had a different side, South had a different side, so it was really interesting to see what the match up was going to be like.”
When the two last met at Compound Accounting Park in early May, Gray’s outfit ran away with a 22 goal victory as the Bulldogs conceded 66.
A more organised and tough South’s defence came to play last Saturday at the Mildura Sporting Precinct, posing a puzzling challenge for Merbein to solve.
“South brought a really good defensive fight,” Gray said.
“They were really tight, tall in the ring and really made us work hard to score.
“But it was a great match, I thought.
Ultimately it was the Pies’ ability to convert from turnovers that proved a decisive factor.
“We did a good amount of turnovers, and I think we just converted better on the day than South,” said Gray.
“It was a really good match up throughout the court, especially in the midcourt.
“We’re all very evenly matched, so it was a great part of the game.”
The victory lifts Merbein to sixth on goals for an average percentage ahead of South Mildura and Imperials.
Gray’s side are now just two wins away from catching Red Cliffs and climbing into the top five regardless of their recent run of results.
“Every win boosts your confidence and we’re taking it game by game,” she said.
“Each team is fighting for finals, each team wants to put their best foot forward and that’s all we can do.
“Try to play our best.”
