Eagles continue their surge

Natalie Sparks battles hard to win possession of the ball. 181760 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Nick Creely

SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

REVIEW – ROUND 11 (SPLIT ROUND)

The remarkable resurrection of Cranbourne’s A-Grade netball season continued on Saturday with a superb and gritty win over great rivals Doveton, 41-32.

In what was the Eagles’ fourth consecutive victory, they hard to work extremely hard to earn the points, with Liz Edwards’ side putting in a commendable effort.

While it was a game played at a high intensity all over the court, the Eagles wrestled control over the contest through the likes of in-form duo Tegan Stahl and Tahlia Coates, who were once again a menacing presence for all four quarters.

As she has all season, Tara Cecil (GK) was rock solid for the Eagles, while the Doves were pretty even across the board in a competitive effort.

As a result of yet another crucial four points, the Eagles sit in fourth position, leapfrogging the Doves and sending them into fifth position.

But it was a good chance for the remaining six sides in the competition to gain a breather, with a massive four week block ahead set to show more about the sides currently log jammed from second to fifth.

Incredibly, apart from the Seagulls who are two games clear at the top and in irresistible touch, there is just four points and a manageable percentage separating Beaconsfield in second and Doveton in fifth, proving just how even the season is becoming.

Apart from Pakenham and Berwick who are well behind the ledger at the bottom, ROC is still alive but will need to bounce back as expected against the Wickers this week.

In Round 8 action on Saturday, it’s going to be a serious blockbuster down at Holm Park, with Beaconsfield taking on the surging Cranbourne.

Both teams are ranked in the top three for points scored, but Beacy’s defensive unit, led superbly by the likes of Danielle Cameron and Kaela Hughes, are conceding on average just 34.6 goals a game, ahead of even the Seagulls.

But in attack they’ve been superb too and Cranbourne will need to be wary of their firepower, with Bianca Sanzaro averaging over 26 goals per game.

Down at Doveton, they face a huge test against the undefeated Tooradin-Dalmore, in what looms as an interesting clash.

The Doves have been extremely competitive this season and have been in every game, but face a Seagulls side that have scored 42 goals more than any team in the competition.

In other games, Berwick will look for their first win they host ROC, while Narre Warren plays host to Pakenham at Kalora Park.