Seagulls shake off Magpies

Tooradin star Alex Duff looks to pass off on Saturday. 182661 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

REVIEW – ROUND 11 (SPLIT ROUND)

Tooradin-Dalmore seems to be able to shake off every challenge in its wake.

The latest challenge standing in the undefeated, reigning premiers’ way was a Narre Warren side that has an ability to play some outstanding netball.

In extremely testing, horrendous conditions, the Magpies gave it their all, but the offensive class of the Seagulls was too much to handle, shown by the eventual 31-25 scoreline.

The game was based on the ability to adapt to the conditions and convert on the scoreboard, and in a low scoring affair, the home side with all their experience shone.

Alex Duff and Jess Cox combined for 29 goals, while the Magpies left Jemma Osborne (19 goals) with a big task.

Further up the court, the Seagulls defended solidly, with Rebecca Kinna, Jess Maher and Holly Gillespie doing some fine work to restrict class players like Carly Stagg and Brittany Mashado from having a major impact.

Down at Toomuc Reserve, Beaconsfield flexed its muscles to solidify second spot on the table with a 47-17 win over Pakenham.

The Lions were no match for the Eagles, who possess as well balanced side as any in the competition.

Using the opportunity to test out some combinations going forward, the Eagles exerted control from the outset, it was an even team performance around the court.

And finally, ROC surged back into fifth with a dominant win over the winless Berwick at Starling Road, 47-22.

The Wickers were unable to claw back after the Kangaroos led 11-4 at quarter time and challenge the game, but had their chances after bringing the margin back to three goals at half time, before the home side powered ahead and found 29 goals of the last 36 goals of the match.

Sara Villiers was once again a menace with 32 goals, and sits just 13 goals away from Narre Warren’s Jemma Osborne for goals scored this season.

Sidney Kneebone (seven goals) and Sarah Castricum (eight) also hit the scoreboard, while for the Wickers, Joyce Oyay, Kassidy Withers and Brittany Pym were impressive in a losing cause.

Earlier in the round, back on 9 June, Cranbourne defeated Doveton, 41-32 at Casey Fields.