IMPERIALS secured their fifth win of the 2025 Sunraysia Football Netball League A Grade season, holding off Ouyen United at Underbool Rec Reserve on Saturday to finish with a five-goal victory.
Ouyen got the fast start, but some poor errors to start the second quarter gifted Imps the chance to take the game away.
Meg McManus was incredible in the second quarter, scoring 15 of the visitors 21 goals, as Imps turned a four-goal deficit into a five-goal lead at the half.
Imperials coach Ali Walker said she was impressed by how her team was able to turn around the early deficit to get the win.
“The girls deserved the win today,” she said. “Last week’s performance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, so the girls needed that win.
“The message in the second quarter was to chase every ball, be composed and take the front option.
“Ouyen made some turnovers, and we got back in the game.
“Meg was really strong in goal attack today. She shot well and combined with Ebony Ietto to get some high percentage shots.
“Defensively, Kia Scott and Maggie Monaghan did a really good job.
“Our midcourt was really strong. Tracey Sherlock was our best player today with her patience with her feeds and getting some turnovers for us defensively in that second quarter.”
Ouyen United’s Kyra Nathan was left to rue her side’s errors.
“We threw the ball away today,” said she. “They got the first seven goals in the second quarter because we made errors and they capitalised.
“We couldn’t quite get it back. They shot really well.”
Ouyen missed Megan Jardine and used 10 players in their efforts to find the right mix.
The Kangas would have been hoping to try and move up the ladder with a win, but the loss will almost certainly see them finish the season in ninth position.
It has been one of those winters for the Kangas, who have lost nine games by less than seven goals.
In previous years, they had a little bit extra height in both goal rings to help secure the big moments. They desperately missed those qualities this season.
