AFTER a slower start, different to their accustomed electric tempo that has tormented SFNL netball teams over the past two years, a Wentworth wake-up saw them eventually ease past seventh placed Merbein 51-34 at George Gordon on Saturday.
The Roos stunningly found themselves level with the Magpies at the first period break before a second quarter surge saw the hosts gun 15 goals and let in just four on the opposite end to which Merbein had no response.
This seemingly unbeatable Wentworth outfit are still yet to taste defeat this season as they’ve all but put to bed any inkling of hope the Magpies had of sneaking into a finals spot.
The travelling side couldn’t recover from the Roos breathing space after the second amid windy weather despite some inspired shooting from Merbein’s Aimee Geyer who finished the fixture with 22 goals as a product of her side’s intense pressing around Wentworth possession.
The Magpies seemingly gained back some momentum to end the third quarter through Geyer and Emily Gray.
But the inevitable Roos player-coach Amanda Edwards and teammate Elizabeth Rowe shut down any semblance of a miraculous comeback to finish off the travelling team while finishing the match with a 17 goal cushion.
“It was a bit of an up and down game,” said Edwards, who now has 544 goals to her name for this season alone.
“Obviously windy out there today, so a little bit tricky for the shooters, but overall happy with how we allowed to push that game out.
“We tried to keep it short and sharp where we could, when it’s windy those big balls or long shot aren’t really in your favour, so it’s about just making sure we get into position and hopefully come away with some loose balls.”
A spirited display from the Magpies against a Roos team who have never looked like fading this year, but they just couldn’t capitalise on their spritely opener to then suffer a 10th defeat this year.
“I thought Merbein were really good today,” said Edwards.
“There was good pressure all over the court as well.
“But I think just us being able to convert and being patient with the ball was the difference.”
Edwards highlighted centre Ashlee Cameron and Natalie Vercher in defence despite some foul action, as two of the Roos’ standout performers on Saturday.
“I thought Ash Cameron was great in the centre for us and never doubt Nat Vercher as well, down in defence,” she said.
“I know there were plenty of whistles down there today, but I thought they would get their call and still be able to come away with plenty of ball.”
Wentworth have now just three games left to complete another perfect undefeated regular season before finals as they take on Red Cliffs at Quandong Park next weekend.
Merbein have the bye next weekend as any glimmer of post-season netball for them has quickly faded.
THE DETAILS
| Wentworth | 51 |
|---|---|
| Merbein | 34 |
BEST
Wentworth
Ashlee Cameron
Courtney Wakefield
Merbein
Sophie Gray
Emily Gray
