By David Nagel
Biting nails has become an almost permanent part of Nar Nar Goon’s last-quarter ritual as the Goon summoned the courage to mount a winning charge against Korumburra-Bena on Saturday.
The Goon’s 55-51 victory follows a one-goal win over Phillip Island in round one and a four-goal defeat at the hands of Kooweerup in round three.
There were no early signs of a close finish on the weekend as the Goon had far the better of the early exchanges.
With Chantelle Dale (C), Olivia Hamilton (WA) and Karly Meinecke (WD) in great form through the midcourt, the Goon took a 13-8 lead to quarter time.
Kyra Esler (GS) shot nine goals in the opening term, and Darcy Utber (GA) four, while Taylah Boatwood (GK) and Taylah Ellis (GD) were right on top of a dangerous Giants’ attack.
But things changed suddenly in the second quarter.
The Goon once again attacked the circle with conviction – scoring 13 goals for the term – but its team defence fell apart across the court.
Elisha Nicholas (GA) caught fire for the Giants in the lead-up to half-time, scoring 12 second-quarter goals – complemented by six to Mackenna Whiteside (GS) – as the Giants levelled things up at 26-all at the main break.
The Giants were once again the better team in the third term, with the drive and determination of Felicity Fox (C), Ash Cuff (WA) and Alice Reid (WD) leading to a 40-38 lead at the final drinks break.
But Nar Nar Goon had more rockets to fire, with Esler (11 goals) and Steph Lee (GA) combining beautifully in the last quarter to first catch the visitors, and then surge clear for an important victory in their season.
The Goon, which has now clawed its way into fifth position, faces a Sunday-trip to Warragul Industrials on Sunday, while the Giants will need to lick their wounds quickly before hosting Phillip Island on Saturday.
Kilcunda-Bass has also taken its record to 3-1 after the opening four rounds of the season after a hard-fought 41-35 triumph over Kooweerup at Denhams Road.
This one was tight from the opening whistle, with no more than three goals separating the teams at the three breaks in play.
A close game looked assured with the Panthers three goals up at three-quarter-time, but a strong last quarter saw them increase their margin.
Kacey Maund (C) really lifted her team when the chips were down late, while Grace Rand (WA), Tamika De Nardis (GA) and Caitlin Stephens (GD) were other important cogs in the victory.
Mikaela Stokkel (GK), Jayda McConkey (GS) and Claise Janssen (WA) battled until the bitter end for the Demons.
Kooweerup will host a confident Tooradin-Dalmore this week after the Seagulls made it back-to-back wins with a 56-38 win over Garfield.
The Seagulls were slow out of the blocks, trailing by three at quarter time, but quickly found their rhythm in the second stanza.
The introduction of Alex Maher (GA) was huge for the Gulls at the first break, with the Team of the Year star scoring 12 of her teams 18 goals for the quarter.
The Seagulls built their 25-18 half-time lead to 44-27 at the last change, before cruising home for the win.
Ebony Dolan, Jess Maher and Ebony Mason were terrific for the Gulls in defence, while Jemima Sheedy (C), Ash Bowden (GD) and Georgia Coleman (WA) never gave up for the Stars.
And Bunyip is still searching for its first win of the season despite another brave effort against strong opposition on the weekend.
The Bulldogs – last on the ladder – went down to second-placed Dalyston by 22 goals in a performance they can be proud of.
Keely Wright (GK) and Fiona Burns (GD) defended gamely for the Doggies, while Ally Johnson and Nat Dijkstra covered a stack of ground as they shared the role in Wing Defence.
The Magpies are humming along nicely at the moment; undefeated after four rounds which just reigning-premier Inverloch-Kongwak above them on the ladder.
The Magpies and Sea Eagles do battle in the WGFNC Match of the Day at Dalyston on Saturday.
In-form Magpies like Olivia Bramley (GD), Bella Schmidt (GS), Jarney Thomas (GA) and Gemma Thomas (GK) will be up-and-about for the big clash.
