By David Nagel
Reigning champion Inverloch-Kongwak is set for a titanic defence of its title after beginning its season in grand style with a 50-28 victory over Nar Nar Goon on Saturday.
On a day when many weather seasons descended on the Inverloch Recreation Reserve, the Sea Eagles made their mark in the first half before cruising home for a comfortable victory.
The Goon was under-manned, with several players missing from their starting line-up on the Easter weekend, but the Sea Eagles pounced with the style and grace of a great side.
With star mid-courter Kelsey Buxton (C) showing her explosive power through the midcourt, and reigning Player of the Year Renee Pilkington (GD) playing a great captain’s game in defence, the Sea Eagles dominated the early exchanges.
Pilkington and Linsey Boddy (GK) gave nothing away in defence, while Lanni Pryor (WA) and Millie Sadler (WD) were explosive and composed through the midcourt.
Their great work set up wonderful opportunities for Kelly Boyd (GS) and Ella Sadler (GA), with Sadler netting eight goals in the first term as the home side raced to a 13-5 quarter-time lead.
Coach Jarrad Walker liked what he was seeing and kept the same combination locked in for the second quarter.
The Eagles were once again in command, scoring 15-8 in the second term to take a 28-13 advantage into half time.
Walker made some changes at the main interval, with Amy Scott replacing Ella Sadler in goal attack, while Tanika McCaughan (WD) took the bib of Millie Sadler, who took over from Boddy as goal keeper.
The Goon kept fighting and were a proud and very determined outfit in the third quarter, being outscored only modestly at eight goals to six.
Karly Meinecke (C) never stopped trying against the running-machine Buxton, while Zoe Parker (GD), Morgan Harris (GD), Meg Evans (GK) and Bec Cox (WD) really tightened things up in defence.
The Goon was missing a handful of regular stars on the weekend…and will certainly be just that – a handful – for opposition teams this season.
At the Cowes Recreation Reserve, a huge downpour and blustery breeze couldn’t stop Phillip Island from showing its class with an 82-27 victory over a brave Warragul Industrials.
The Dusties have been really struggling for numbers in recent times, but have bent over backwards to make sure the WGFNC A Grade competition has a full complement of teams.
That’s hugely important for the look and feel of the WGFNC, and the Dusties deserve a pat on the back for their efforts…although results may take time to come.
Phillip Island, under the instruction of coach Christie Edwards, made a clean start and never looked back into a frosting up rear-vision mirror.
With Lexi Walton (C), Amelie Wragg (WD) and Edwards (WA) putting on a clinical mid-court display, the Bulldogs raced out to a 19-9 quarter-time lead.
Lily Mewett (GS) and Ella Duggan (GA) continued to work with great harmony in the circle in the second term, scoring 10 and 11 goals respectively, as the Doggies secured a 40-19 advantage at half-time.
Mewett ended the day with 48 goals, and Duggan 34, in a beautifully balanced combination.
Phillip Island had winners all over the court, with Anthea Bennett (GK) and Jaclyn Clark (GD) starting that ascendency from the back third.
A split round one will be completed with four games this Saturday, with Bunyip taking on Korumburra-Bena, Cora Lynn hosting Garfield, and Tooradin-Dalmore welcoming Kilcunda-Bass to the Tooradin Rec Reserve.
And Dalyston and Kooweerup are both looking to be big improvers this year, with their first test of the season to take place at the Dalyston Rec Reserve – under lights – at 6.15pm.
WGFNC NETBALL RESULTS – ROUND 1
A GRADE:
Inverloch-Kongwak 50 v Nar Nar Goon 28
Phillip Island 82 v Warragul Industrials 31
B GRADE:
Inverloch-Kongwak 37 v Nar Nar Goon 40
Phillip Island 45 v Warragul Industrials 50
C GRADE:
Inverloch-Kongwak 28 v Nar Nar Goon 23
Phillip Island 26 v Warragul Industrials 28
D GRADE:
Inverloch-Kongwak 28 v Nar Nar Goon 22
Phillip Island 24 v Warragul Industrials 38
17 UNDER:
Inverloch-Kongwak 30 v Nar Nar Goon 23
Phillip Island 69 v Warragul Industrials 10
15 UNDER:
Inverloch-Kongwak 4 v Nar Nar Goon 36
Phillip Island 19 v Warragul Industrials 16
13 UNDER:
Inverloch-Kongwak 5 v Nar Nar Goon 27
Phillip Island 31 v Warragul Industrials 5
11 UNDER:
Inverloch-Kongwak 8 v Nar Nar Goon 11
Phillip Island 6 v Warragul Industrials 4
