MILDURA put the finishing touches on their finals preparations with a hard fought 55 to 49 win over a plucky Ouyen United in final round Sunraysia Football Netball League A Grade action on Saturday at Underbool.
Ouyen United got the initial jump in the first five or so minutes, but Mildura fought back incredibly well to lead 18 to 10 at quarter time.
The Kangas worked away at reducing the margin, and brought it back to a three-goal game in the last quarter before the Demons finished strongly.
Mildura coach Jess McNamara found plenty of positives going into finals, where they play as the second seed against Robinvale-Euston.
“The girls held their own for four quarters against an Ouyen United side that is very good in general, so we couldn’t afford to let our guard down,” said McNamara.
“Robinvale-Euston is a great side and we will be looking for all of our girls to play their role.
“We have our strengths and Robinvale-Euston’s goal circle is very strong.
“It’s never easy when you come up against a really tall shooter like Sarah Hepburn, so we will adjust our structure to cover that height.
“They are good all over the court and that’s why they are in third.”
Against Ouyen, Ava Zadow was clinical in attack, finishing with 43 goals.
The Kangas’ game was symbolic of their season. They played some fantastic netball for good stretches, but made a few too many errors.
It was their 10th loss by seven goals or less and despite the outcome, Ouyen United coach Kyra Nathan was upbeat.
“We played really well,” she said. “All the changes we made had an impact and we were able to get it back to three goals in the last quarter.”
Post-game Nathan praised the work mid-courter Megan Jardine.
“She had the best game of her season,” the coach said. “Her combination with Catherine Brown was fantastic.
“Lexi Munro also had her best game for the season too. Her timing was really good today.”
Ouyen United 49 def. by Mildura 55
Best: Ouyen United – Megan Jardine, Catherine Brown. Mildura – Katelyn Challis, Juliet Leng.
