By David Nagel
Bunyip and Kooweerup are the latest teams to be celebrating their first victories for 2023 after an intriguing round of netball in West Gippsland on Saturday.
The Bulldogs proved too strong for Warragul Industrials, 75-51, while the Demons overcame a narrow loss against Nar Nar Goon last week to rain on Karla Brook’s 300-game parade at Cora Lynn with a 42-28 triumph.
The Cobras came out firing in the first quarter, leading 5-1 early, before the Demons stemmed the tide – limiting the damage for the remainder of the opening term.
With Bianca Douglas (GK) back from injury, the Cobras defence looked strong in the first quarter with Dani Cameron (GD) and Brook (WD) providing plenty of drive from the back-court.
The Cobras led 10-6 at the first break, but the Demons would gradually get on top from that point forward.
Alix Galante (C) took control of the midcourt, and with Kate Sidebottom (GA) providing some quality feeds to Ash Murphy (GS) the Demons were soon on a roll.
The Demons would score 36 to 18 after the first break, with Murphy scoring 35 of those after swapping from GA to GS at quarter time.
Cora Lynn gets to rest its legs this week, while the Demons host a highly-competitive Kilcunda-Bass.
At Bunyip, the Bulldogs victory over Dusties was delivered on the back of a masterful display of shooting from Jasmin Mackie (GS), who scored 60 of her sides 64 goals to three-quarter time before being rested in the final term.
Mackie couldn’t do it all herself – the ball needs to get there – and the hard work of Aimee Wright (C), Jaime Cotter (WD), Lisa Proctor (WA) and Brydie Cunningham (GA) gave Mackie plenty of opportunity to score a whopping 25 goals in the second stanza alone.
Full credit to the Dusties, they fought hard all day, winning the last quarter 15-11 to take some confidence into this week’s home-game against Korumburra-Bena.
Bunyip heads to undefeated Dalyston for a very tough encounter.
Reigning champs Inverloch-Kongwak are travelling along nicely in second place on the ladder after a hard-fought 51-31 victory over A Grade newcomers Kilcunda-Bass.
The Sea Eagles had this one under control for most of the day, extending their lead at each change, but the Panthers did make an impression on 2022 premiership coach Jarrad Walker.
“We didn’t play our best, but they didn’t allow us to play our best,” Walker said.
“They’re a tricky team to play against and I think Kilcunda-Bass is a real dark-horse to play finals this year.”
Midcourt dynamos Kelsey Buxton (C) and Kacey Maund (C) went toe-to-toe for four quarters, while the class and workrate of Lanni Pryor (WA) and Renee Pilkington (GD) kept the Panthers at arms-length all day.
The Sea Eagles head to Garfield this week, while the Panthers – who have played Tooradin, Dalyston and Inverloch in their opening three games of the season – get the chance to open their account at Kooweerup.
Tooradin-Dalmore sits top of the ladder, at least for the time being, after the Seagulls continued their impressive early-season form with a 71-59 victory over a plucky Phillip Island.
The Gulls hit the ground running, leading 17-10 and 40-26 at the first two change of ends, before the Doggies outscored the home-side 33-31 in the second half.
Kayla Bratic (GA GS) was best on court for the Gulls, while Jess Maher showed her versatility by playing the first three quarters in different positions.
Maher started at wing defence, before switching to goal keeper, before scoring nine goals at GS in the third.
Phillip Island can hold its head high, with the likes of Amelie Wragg (WD), Ella Duggan (GA) and Lily Mewett (GS) taking some good form into this week’s home clash against Nar Nar Goon.
The Tooradin girls have the bye.
At Dalyston, the Magpies remain undefeated after three rounds after a rock-solid 56-37 win over Korumburra-Bena.
Things were tight in the first quarter, the Magpies leading 12-11, before the home side slipped away in the second and third terms.
With Gemma Thomas (GS) on fire, and Hannah McRae (C) lively through the midcourt, the Magpies outscored the Giants by 31 to 15 through the middle stages of the contest.
Pallas Lamers (GK) and Gemma Dixon (GD) defended with all their might for the Giants, who head to Warragul this weekend.
The Magpies stay put at home to host Bunyip.
And Nar Nar Goon has leapfrogged Garfield into fifth place on the ladder after a 60-45 victory at the Goon.
Coach Meg Evans has the Goon purring along nicely right now, with back-to-back wins setting up a solid foundation for the season.
The Goon heads to Phillip Island this week, while the Stars will look to bounce back to the winners list when they host reigning champs Inverloch.
