‘Roos are right on song

Despite a valiant effort from Melissa Webster''s Doves, the ROC girls continued its winning ways. 194760 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

OUTER EAST NETBALL

REVIEW – ROUND 9

PREMIER

Beaconsfield was made to work by a brave Woori Yallock, falling over the line in a fascinating battle at Holm Park, 38-33.

The two sides – which are both looking likely to have a major say in the premiership race – put on a show despite the torrid conditions, in a high-quality four quarter clash.

The home side, crucially, was the one that could get off to a fast-start, racing out to a 9-3 lead before the Tigers bridged the gap with a barnstorming 11-7 second term.

Both sides knew each goal would be crucial in the context of the game, and the home side was unable to shake the visitors in the dying moments, finding the crucial break late and holding firm.

It was a hard-fought, finals like win from the home side, and once again Danielle Cameron shone with 21 goals, while Zoe Mason was dynamic and Ashleigh Gill dominated in centre.

On a day that would have filled the Tigers’ side with plenty of confidence that they can turn the screws later in the year, Madeline Hargrave was a menace with 25 goals.

Cranbourne, meanwhile, enjoyed its most fruitful afternoon of the season to date, thumping Upwey Tecoma, 73-32.

The Eagles solidified themselves in third spot with the percentage boosting win, which was sparked by a dominant 21-7 first term that could never be challenged.

Tahlia Coates made life difficult for the Tigers’ defenders in Jamie O’Hare and Peta Day, slotting 50 goals.

In the round’s other match, Olinda Ferny Creek, predictably, overpowered Wandin away, 71-40, with the dominant Peri Stewart contributing another 57 goals.

DIVISION 1

Pakenham burst past Emerald in a stellar last quarter performance to keep touch with the top sides and move to a 5-3 record, 43-38.

The scores were level at quarter time before the Bombers went to work and opened up a seven-goal lead at half time.

But the Lions – as they have shown at various stages this season – refuse to go away, leveling the scores at the final change before doing the damage late in the match. It’s been a trademark of its season so far, they never let the scoreboard get out of reach despite what may be going against them.

The Lions, full of youth, energy and confidence, stormed home with a 14-9 last term and a huge confidence booster. In what was a vital result in the context of their season, Mia Palmer (19 goals), Abbey Tognazzini and Rebecca Langford did some great work around the court.

ROC was another side who enjoyed a strong weekend, brushing aside Doveton to continue its dominance, 50-28.

The ladder leading Roos were never really challenge, increasing its lead at every change, with Sarah Castricum continuing her fine season with another 29 goals.

In the remaining matches in Division 1 as the ladder begins to take some serious shape, Monbulk flexed its muscles to claim a huge 58-24 win against Belgrave at home, while Mount Evelyn got the points in a hard-fought win against Warburton Millgrove, 45-33.