Magpies hold off brave Doves

Doveton''s Zali Mifsud looks up the court. 180746 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

ROUND 5

Narre Warren overcame a highly spirited Doveton outfit at Kalora Park to register a crucial 47-45 victory on Saturday.

Both sides have shown brilliant signs in what has been a promising opening five rounds of the 2018 season, and it came down to the absolute wire.

The Magpies, however – off the back of a superb 34 goal performance by Jemma Osborne – found the answers at the right time, staving off the Doves to move to a 4-1 record.

Liz Edwards’ Doves can hold their head high after such a commendable performance, with Shani Mayleena Natua doing a great job to pick up 25 goals against the tide.

Down at Holm Park, ROC sprung a surprise, knocking off the in-form Beaconsfield in an upset that sees them anchored into fifth by two games.

Sharon Hook’s side has played some impressive netball in the opening month, and with Sara Villiers (21 goals) at her vintage self, took the points by four goals, 33-37.

Despite some fight by Ashleigh Gill, Kaela Hughes and industrious efforts by Danielle Fedel and Bianca Sanzaro – who combined for 26 goals between them – the Eagles couldn’t quite get the edge on the much improved Roos.

Tooradin-Dalmore’s ominous form continued with a mammoth 42 goal win over Berwick at Edwin Flack Reserve, 25-67.

The Wickers – a young and improving side – stood no chance to the experience and skill of the Gulls, with the reigning premiers looking sharp from the get go, with their balance and poise a spectacle to watch.

Alex Maher was on fire with a 31 goal effort, single handily outscoring the Wickers, while Alex Duff and Jess Cox combined for 36 goals as the foil to Maher’s brilliance.

While a tough 42 goal loss doesn’t look pretty on paper, the Wickers are starting to build a brand and have some talent, with Emma Clarke, Kassidy Withers and Brittany Pym once again playing strong games.

And finally, Cranbourne got the monkey off the back to finally register a win, with the Eagles proving too strong for Pakenham at Casey Fields, 52-36.

The Eagles – coming into the season as one to watch for the premiership – have failed to make an impact in losses to Doveton, Narre Warren, Tooradin-Dalmore and Beaconsfield – but found a bit of form and confidence out of the solid 16 goal win.

Karen Meredith’s Lions were coming off a drought breaking win over Berwick last round, and were sky high on confidence. With the form line of both sides, it was reasonable to assume the Lions could make it two wins in a row.

Tahlia Coates (26 goals) had other ideas, putting in a dynamite display in attack, and with support from Kasey Teakle (12 goals) and Tegan Stahl (14 goals) put enough scoreboard pressure to crumble the opposition.

Despite the loss, Kyra Esler was superb with 26 goals, while the likes of Lorna Lark, Lauren Wenn and Jenna Douglas did some valiant work further up the court.

With the AFL Victoria Community Championships this weekend, clubs will take a breather after five rounds, and Tooradin remains the only undefeated side. Narre Warren continues to breathe down their necks and is within striking distance, while Beaconsfield, Doveton and ROC remain locked on 12 points and are building some consistency.

In Round 6 on 26 May, there are some belters to look forward to. Tooradin will host Narre Warren, in an early season top of the table clash, while Doveton and ROC will be out to keep up their good form when they clash at AJ Robinson Oval. Cranbourne hosts Berwick and Pakenham ventures to Holm Park to take on Beaconsfield.