By Nick Creely
OUTER EAST NETBALL
REVIEW – ROUND 1
PREMIER DIVISION A GRADE
Reigning Yarra Valley A Grade champions Olinda Ferny Creek kicked off the 2019 season with an almighty bang, downing Narre Warren 71-41 in a high-scoring affair on Saturday.
The Bloods, who finished with the final AFL Yarra Ranges A Grade premiership last year, were in control from the outset, with the class of Peri Stewart (45 goals) and Ashlee Howard (26) placing the Magpies’ defence under serious pressure.
The Bloods went into quarter time with an 17-11 lead, but thereafter really put their foot down to assert themselves into a winning position, scoring 54-30 from the final three quarters to run away with a 30-goal win.
An impressive Beaconsfield, meanwhile, got their season off on a strong note with a 32-50 win over Cranbourne at Casey Fields.
Both strong outfits in the final year of the SEFNL, the experience and class of the visitors came to the fore in the critical moments to secure the points.
Berwick held off a fast finishing Wandin outfit on Sunday, with the Bulldogs coming from behind at three quarter time to give the game a real shake.
In the end, the Wickers, led superbly by Kassidy Withers with 22 goals, held the home side off to secure a 38-40 win after being up by eight goals at half time and seven at three quarter time.
And in the final game of the round, Upwey Tecoma belted Healesville 23-53. Woori Yallock had the bye.
DIVISION 1 A GRADE
A completely dominant second quarter display from Pakenham saw the Lions smash Emerald under lights at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday night.
Karen Meredith’s talented young group held a slender 9-6 lead at quarter time, but completely blew the game away with a frightening second term, taking a 16-goal advantage into the major break with a 15-2 second term.
The Lions held their nerve and continued to be excellent in attack and defence, controlling the court on their way to a strong 53-26 win.
Belgrave also started Division 1 A Grade life in strong fashion, recording a 36-28 win against Monbulk at home.
The Magpies were well led by Ellen Anthony (21 goals), while Khloe Weaver and Alisha Parissis were impassable in defence.
Mount Evelyn were also strong winners from the first round, recording a 46-37 win against Warburton Millgrove.
Doveton and ROC will finish the round with a Good Friday blockbuster at AJ Robinson Reserve, with a big crowd expected on a special day on the football and netball calender.
