By David Nagel
A ruthless Sea Eagle wasted no time in preying on an unsuspecting Magpie on Saturday as Inverloch-Kongwak took its premiership defence to new levels against Dalyston.
The Sea Eagles had their tightest win for the season, prevailing 48-37, but showed premiership intensity in the first half that had the Magpies on the back foot.
Coach Jarrad Walker had his players fired up for a fast start, and the clash between the two undefeated teams was a little lopsided early.
The Eagles came out of the blocks firing, with the classy trio of Kelsey Buxton (C), Lanni Pryor (WA) and Millie Sadler (WD) in red-hot form through the midcourt, providing Ella Sadler (GA) and Kelly Boyd (GS) with a plethora of scoring opportunities.
At the other end of the court, Renee Pilkington (GD) and Linsey Boddy (GK) were at their ruthless best as the Sea Eagles shot out to 15-7 quarter-time lead.
The rattled Magpies responded better in the second term, but still trailed 27-15 half-way through the contest.
Alana McRae (C) had seen enough and moved herself into the middle at the break, and the Magpies responded in style.
McRae, her sister Hannah (WA) and Sophie Scott (WD) lifted their rating in the third, closing the gap to seven at three-quarter time after a 13-8 third quarter.
But the Sea Eagles had done enough early to remain undefeated at the top of the ladder.
“We were happy winning three of the four quarters and, as always, every time you come to Dalyston you walk away having learnt something you need to work on,” Walker said.
“It was a great match, played in four seasons, and we were happy to squeeze out an 11-goal win.”
Walker and his team face another tough test this week, hosting Korumburra-Bena, while Dalyston makes the trek to Garfield.
The other top-four clash, between Korumburra-Bena and Tooradin-Dalmore, was an absolute beauty with both teams holding sway at different stages of the match…before the Seagulls scored a 58-53 victory.
The fist quarter once again proved decisive, with Tooradin leading 14-8 at the first break.
No more than two goals separated the teams in the remaining three quarters of netball.
The Giants bounced back in a free-flowing 21-19 second term, before the Gulls held a 13-12 advantage in the third.
The game was still up for grabs at the final orange break, with the Seagulls leading by five.
Both teams gave their all in the final stanza, scoring 12 goals each in a fantastic contest.
The Giants made no changes throughout the course of the day, with Pallas Lamers (GK), Gemma Dixon (GD), Georgia Hamilton (WD), Ash Cuff (C), Felicity Fox (WA), Elisha Nicholas (GA) and Mackenna Whiteside (GS) pushing themselves to the limit.
But the Gulls were too strong, with Eb Dolan (GK) playing a great game in defence and Alex Maher (GS) exploding in the second quarter with 17 goals.
The Seagulls host a much-improved Kooweerup this week, who has now won four games on the trot.
Kate Sidebottom has the Demons playing some terrific netball right now, with the 90-24 victory over Warragul Industrials following 14, 17 and five goal wins over Cora Lynn, Kilcunda Bass and Phillip Island respectively.
The Demons face a massive test over the next fortnight, with a visit to Tooradin followed by a home clash against the high-flying Inverloch!
Phillip island has broken a four-game losing streak with a fast-finishing 62-49 win over Bunyip.
The battle of the Bulldogs was almost even at three-quarter time – Phillip Island by two – but skipper Anthea Bennett (GK) locked down strongly in the final quarter to lead her team to victory.
Bennett and Jaclyn Clark (GD) allowed just six Bunyip goals to be scored in the final term, while Ella Duggan (GS) scored 13 of her own at the opposite end of the court to take care of business.
Phillip island hosts Kilcunda-Bass this week, while Bunyip makes the short trip to Cora Lynn.
Nar Nar Goon is keeping in touch with the competition leaders after winning its fourth game in five starts against Cora Lynn.
The Goon set up the 59-29 victory in the first quarter, plundering the net with 18 goals to five.
The Goon won every quarter thereafter with Chantelle Dale, Eden Evans and Olivia Hamilton having a big influence through the midcourt.
Cora Lynn is still to open its account, but face Bunyip and Warragul Industrials over the next fortnight in two games they can win.
Moesha Griffin, Gemma Stacey and Dani Cameron were rock-solid four-quarter contributors for the Cobras.
And winning is now becoming a habit for competition new-comers Kilcunda-Bass after the Panthers scored a 53-29 victory over Garfield.
After a tight opening, the Panthers took control in the second term, scoring 15-6, and finished off the job nicely with an 18-7 final quarter.
Kacey Maund (C) and Grace Rand (WA) were rock-stars for the Panthers through the midcourt, while Caitlin Egan (GK) patrolled the defensive circle with pride.
Ash Hyde (GK) and Tyla Redwood (GA/GS) gave their all for the Stars.
