By David Nagel
Supporters of Nar Nar Goon will need to check in to make sure their ‘tickers’ are functioning properly this week after the Goon once again showed its true fighting spirit against Cora Lynn.
The Goon and Cobras took everyone on a roller-coaster ride on Saturday in an absorbing contest that ended with the Goon winning 42-41 in an absolute heart-stopper.
Nar Nar Goon now sits in second place on the ladder after its fourth win by single-figure margins this season.
The Goon came out firing in the first term, with Olivia Hamilton (C), Meaghan Winter (WA) and Karly Meinecke (WD) giving the Cobras midcourt the run around.
Darcy Utber (GA) had the radar dialed in, scoring 13 goals alone as the visitors raced out to a 17-9 lead at the first break.
But these Cobras are made of stern stuff this year and gradually ate into the margin.
Alannah Keen (C) began the revival through the midcourt, while the high-pressure defence of Danielle Cameron (GK) and Paige Brooks-MacMillan (GD) made scoring a lot more difficult for the Goon.
The Cobras narrowed the margin to four goals by half time, and then took a two-goal advantage to the final break after a hard-working 13-7 third term.
It was all on the line; the Cobras leading 33-31 at three-quarter time.
Both teams lifted to the occasion in the final stanza; playing some terrific high-pressure netball.
Gemma Stacey (GS) was calm and composed for the Cobras, while Utber and Steph Lee (GA) showed a steady hand for the Goon; eventually getting them across the line.
The Goon face fourth placed Kilcunda-Bass this week, while the Cobras – who lost no admirers – head to Kooweerup to take on the Demons.
“Don’t forget about us.”
That was the definitive statement made by Tooradin-Dalmore on Saturday after the Seagulls scored a crucial 56-52 victory over Dalyston.
It was a big day for the Seagulls with Alex and Jess Maher celebrating their 100th games for the club; and it was Alex (GS) who set the early standard.
Alex scored all 13 goals in the opening period of play to open up a 13-8 lead at the first break.
But the Magpies hit back hard, with Ruby Brosnan (C) and Mataya Maloney (WD) driving the black and whites to a 21-13 second term.
The Gulls returned fire and led by a solitary goal at the final break.
With fifth spot riding on the line, the Seagulls lifted once again with Sara Howie (C) and co-captains Stacey Sawyer (WA) and Ebony Dolan (GD) leading their team to victory.
The Seagulls face a massive test against Inverloch-Kongwak this week, while Dalyston hosts Phillip Island.
Kooweerup is knocking on the door of the top six after the Demons scored a 61-36 win over Warragul Industrials.
The Demons were made to work from quarter time onwards, but a 20-8 first quarter locked away the four points early.
Ash Murphy (GA/GS) was once again at the top of her game for the Demons, scoring 49 goals, while Claise Janssen (WA), Chantelle Stokkel (WD) and Kate Sidebottom (C) were influential figures through the midcourt.
Tash Green (GK) and Madeleine Kovarik (WD) never stopped trying for the Dusties.
In other games this week, Korumburra-Bena remains in finals calculations after a 52-39 victory over a gallant Bunyip.
The class of Ash Cuff (WA) and Gemma Dixon (GD) saw the Giants gradually pull away over four quarters, but the Bulldogs never gave up and will take some real positivity into this week’s ‘winnable’ home game against the Dusties.
The likes of Aimee Wright (WA), Jess Drazzi (GA), Fiona Burns (GK) and Brooke Cleeland (GS) will be super keen to bank their first four points for the season.
Kilcunda-Bass remains in fourth position after Kacey Maund (C), Grace Rand (WA) and Sophie Baker (GK) led the Panthers to a 67-39 win over Garfield, while reigning-champions Inverloch-Kongwak once again stamped their class with a dominant victory over Phillip Island.
Kelly Boyd (GS) and Amy Scott (GA) feasted like Christmas Day after some great supply from Lanni Pryor (WA), Kelsey Buxton (C) and Kate French (WD) through the midcourt.
Star defenders Renee Pilkington (GD) and Millie Sadler (GD) gave nothing away in the circle in the Sea Eagles 80-29 victory.
