By Marcus Uhe
Two quarters with more than 20 goals saw Narre Warren flex its muscle in Outer East Football Netball’s A Grade netball competition on Saturday against newly-promoted Emerald.
The Bombers surprised many with an opening round win over Olinda Ferny Creek but learned on Saturday about just where they need to get to in the 76-49 loss.
The Magpies scored 21 goals in the opening quarter to establish a 13 goal lead at the first break and after the Bombers matched the reigning champions for the next two quarters, Narre Warren finished with a flourish, scoring 25 goals to 11 in the final term.
Strong final quarters were a trademark of Erin Bell’s team in 2023 and the four-quarter efforts look set to remain a staple of their approach as they aim to go back-to-back.
Erin Bell scored 44 and Chelsea Tonna 31 to lead the way for the Magpies, as Grace Ioelu impressed off the bench with a further 19 goals.
Emerald was hampered by its limited number of available players with just seven taking the court in A-Grade, where Narre Warren’s three substitutes allowed for rest and rotation throughout the contest.
Kaylah Loulanting scored 34 goals for the Bombers.
ROC fared similarly to the Bombers, conceding 70 goals on the road against a strong Mt Evelyn side that made a preliminary final in 2023.
With last season’s Jodi Chandler medal winner Kaitlyn Black patrolling the ROC shooting circle, the visitors managed only five goals in the opening term and found themselves down by 10 at the first break.
ROC was unable to make any inroads to the deficit, outscored in every quarter for the remainder of the match, including giving up 19 goals in each of the final two quarters.
Captain, Melanie Overdyk, made an impact for ROC off the bench, as Isobelle O’Shanassy contributed 27 goals.
Pakenham’s miserly defence was on full display against Berwick Springs in a monster 50 goal win over the Titans at Toomuc Reserve.
The Lions allowed just 16 goals through their opponent’s net, including just nine in the final three quarters.
After Pakenham led 14-7 at the first break, the Lions put their feet down, outscoring their opponents 20-2, 17-3 and 15-4 in the prevailing terms, with a 15 goal run growing the margin from 24 to 39 late in the third quarter.
The Lions were far taller across the court and more mobile, showing what repeated seasons in Premier Division does for a squad, compared to one making a tough jump in grades.
Millicent Utber’s drive in the middle of the court was noticeable, setting the tone with her pace, athleticism and quick decisions in the middle of the court, having crossed to Toomuc Reserve from Beaconsfield in the offseason, and replacing last season’s captain Emma Jones in the middle, missing through injury.
In one motion Utber managed to catch a ball, plant one foot and lob it over the Titans’ goalkeeper to Kelly Cousins underneath the ring in a move that wowed the crowd.
Gembrook Cockatoo, meanwhile, has two wins from two matches under new coach Laura Christie, having downed Olinda Ferny Creek 43-36.
The Brookers held a four goal advantage at the first break and held the Bloods at arms length for the remainder of the contest in the seven goal result, matching or outsourcing the opposition in every quarter.
Mariah Bell scored 33 goals for the Brookers.
Upwey Tecoma rallied from a five goal deficit at three quarter time to defeat Woori Yallock 41-39, scoring five of the final seven goals to break a late game deadlock, while 2023 runner up Wandin almost let a three-quarter-time lead slip through its fingers against Monbulk, sneaking home 51-47.
All eyes turn to round three where Narre Warren and Wandin will come face-to-face for the first time since the Magpies’ triumph on grand final day last season.
The match begins at 12.30pm at Narre Warren’s Kalora Park.
