By Russell Bennett
WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION
REVIEW – ROUND 14
Nar Nar Goon has once again displayed its ability to match it with the better sides in the WGFNC’s A Grade competition with a hard-fought display on their Spencer Street courts on Saturday.
Perennial former Alberton league powerhouse Dalyston is one of the new competition’s more imposing sides but the Goon refused to take a backward step, despite being on the wrong end of the 43-35 scoreline.
The Magpies jumped out to a 7-3 early lead with passes from both sides often going to ground given the blustery conditions.
It was a day where the easiest and less ambitious passing options seemed to be the most effective as – throughout the game – both teams seemed to almost fall into the trap of going too long and direct.
Dalyston led 8-4 at the end of the first as Nar Nar Goon coach Allyson Hook spoke about the importance of her side producing steady and controlled netball.
On a day where shooting accuracy and smart shot selection was crucial, the Goon’s communication – particularly through the midcourt and into attack – was impressive.
The girls’ work ethic shone as they cut the margin to just two goals at the main break.
There was still just two goals in it with a quarter to play but the class of the Magpies shone through in the last to clinch another well-earned win.
Earlier in the season, Hook told the Gazette that her side’s strong form had come, in part, from its core group continuing to gel together as the season progressed.
“We’ve got some new faces and it’s taken some time to get to know each other on and off the court,” she said.
Hook said a number of players had played significant minutes in positions they’re not typically accustomed to, but that was for the betterment of the team.
“The proof is on the scoreboard, I guess,” she said.
“We’ve really come together whereas in the first half of the year we were still getting to know each other.
“The girls have just worked so hard and become a lot more disciplined.”
Hook pointed to the group’s drop in unforced errors over recent weeks as an example of the girls’ lift in focus. She also said they reacted particularly well to instruction and didn’t shy away from constructive criticism.
“The girls are extremely coachable,” she said.
“They’re really supportive of each other and they can certainly take honest feedback.”
Hook said the group’s 2017 campaign so far had marked “a solid entry into the new league” with plenty of potential there to build on.
“Look at the top five and Korumburra is clearly a level above (at this stage) but outside of them anyone can match anyone,” she said.
Elsewhere in Round 14, Kooweerup outlasted Bunyip by 15 goals, 38-23, after leading by just a goal at the first break; Korumburra-Bena proved far too strong for Cora Lynn in a 37-goal win, 59-22; and Inverloch-Kongwak and Phillip Island dismantled Kilcunda Bass and Garfield 83-28 and 110 to 11 respectively.
