By David Nagel
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 11
The outcome may have been the same, but Berwick has taken a far more positive outlook from its latest draw, a thrilling 47-47 finish against Cranbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday.
The Wickers, who finished level with Hampton Park last week after squandering a nine-goal three-quarter-time lead, matched motors with one of the in-form teams in the competition, the Eagles coming off a huge win against top-team Tooradin last week.
And this draw – well it tasted a whole lot better than the first.
“Absolutely, last week against Hampton Park was heartbreaking, it felt like a loss, where this week we fought the game out, the girls dug deep for the blue dress,” said proud coach Janine Kilmartin.
“It’s such a strong competition and every week is a challenge, but our girls keep building, doing the one-percenters well and focussing on what makes us a good netball team.”
It’s worth remembering that the Wickers won just two games in 2016, both against Pakenham, and weren’t expected to be challenging some of the better teams in the competition.
But someone forgot to tell Kilmartin and her girls from Edwin Flack!
“It’s exciting, we finished bottom last year and we’re well and truly ahead of where we thought we would be this year, and it just shows that if you work hard you will get the results,” Kilmartin said.
“We started the year just wanting to be competitive but now there’s a realisation that we have got what it takes. There’s been huge improvement but still a long way to go. We need to work on having the composure to complete our work.”
There were never more than two goals separating the sides over the first three quarters, the Eagles leading narrowly by two, one and two at the first three breaks.
Neither side conceded an inch, with Mel Perrins and Olivia Macente having a great duel in the centre for four quarters while many other battles took place.
“It was like watching tennis, the ball went up and down the court so quickly,” Kilmartin acknowledged.
Berwick youngster Abuk Kenyang (GS) made a big difference when she came on at quarter time, testing the skills of a seasoned defender in Tara Cecil (GK). Emily Pratt (WA) played a great game for the Wickers, while Nat Sparks (WA) fought for a similar outcome for the Eagles.
But in the end – they couldn’t be split.
Beaconsfield coach Simon O’Shanassy believes his side is ready for the biggest challenge of its season after a convincing 52-42 victory over Hampton Park at Robert Booth Reserve.
The Eagles, who have a bye this week before consecutive matches against Narre Warren and Tooradin, have won eight on the trot but continue to fly under the radar.
“And that’s just the way we like it,” O’Shanassy said with a grin.
“We’ve had games where we haven’t played our best combination at all, but it’s a really fine line between looking after your percentage, managing players, and planning for worst case scenarios come finals time.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, we need improvement across the court, but I’m really happy with the way we’re playing our netball at the moment.”
With Britt Tyers out with an ankle, O’Shanassy saw an opportunity for defender Charlotte Petelinek to make her debut, while regular stars like Dani Cameron (GK), Ash Gill (WA) and Jasmine Jones (WA-C) went about their work in efficient fashion.
Karli Foster (GK) was once again superb for the Redbacks, while Jayde Aron (GD), Channing Withers (WD) and Birgitta Nemaric (GS) fought the game out until the final whistle. The Redbacks won the last quarter by three to cut the final margin to 10.
A brilliant defensive effort has seen Narre Warren secure a 58-31 victory over ROC at Kalora Park.
The Magpies were at their ruthless best in the first half, with Tracey Dell (GK) and Corrina Emery (GD) relying on some great support from the midcourt to hold the Kangaroos to just 11 goals.
Britt Mashado (C), Leigh Taylor (WA) and Erin Clark (WD) combined beautifully through the midcourt, while returning star Tayla Shannon (GS) relished her time on court after a lengthy spell through injury.
Shannon was up to her usual tricks, scoring 24 goals and more than happy to help Gabby Dwyer (GA) to 34 of her own.
ROC has now lost seven games straight after defeating Pakenham in round three and face some tough games against Cranbourne and Tooradin over the coming weeks.
Players like Amy Jones (WD), Courtney Linhart (GS), Mel Overdyk (GD) and Laura Quinn (GK) all competed well against the Magpies and will be keen to secure a victory to give the winter blues the flick.
And a brilliant second quarter performance has seen Doveton shake off a determined Pakenham in a 60-41 victory at Robinson Oval.
The Lions started brilliantly with Meaghan Winter (WD), Emma Jones (C) and Kate McGowan (GK) taking it up to the Doves before things turned savagely in the second term.
The Doves built their 12-11 lead impressively, scoring 19-8 in the second quarter to take a stranglehold on the contest. Rahni Samason (GS) and Shae Gee (GA) combined well for the winners who had Chelsea Imanisani (C) provide plenty of impetus through the midcourt.
The Lions are showing glimpses of improvement but just can’t maintain their effort for four quarters.
Keely Wright (GD) and Amelia McCarthy (GD) gave McGowan a helping hand in defence.
Tooradin-Dalmore had the bye.
