By David Nagel
Now…more the ever…it’s the little things that will count as we embark on the most even A Grade season in the nine-year history of the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC).
The margins between the best – and those aspiring to be just that have narrowed; to the point where thrilling contests are going to be a common occurrence this season.
Every training session is going to matter; every training drill will count; as the most even group of teams try to gain a minuscule edge over the other.
WGFNC netball is going to be one hell of a watch this season…it’s very exciting!
On Saturday, four teams that genuinely believe they have what it takes to lift this year’s silverware produced two cracking games of netball.
Cora Lynn hosted Inverloch-Kongwak at the Cobradome in one the more high-pressure games of the season, with the reigning champions prevailing 35-31 after falling behind early.
It’s a rarity these days to see both of these teams be held to single-digit scores in a quarter, but it happened twice to both teams as two of the best defensive units went to work.
Cobras Annabel Sheppard (GK) and Danielle Cameron (GD) were colossal in the opening quarter of the match, keeping the Sea Eagles to just seven goals for the term.
The Cobras led 10-7 at the first break, with Lexis Schade (C), Jessie Prvulj (WA) and Paige Brooks-MacMillan (WD) providing a mountain of pressure through the midcourt.
But if there’s one team that knows how to handle it, it’s the Sea Eagles; who lifted the stakes even higher in the second period of play.
Linsey Boddy (GK) and Renee Pilkington (GD) stared down the court at Sheppard and Cameron and said “whatever you can do, we can do better”…keeping the Cobras to just five goals in the second quarter.
The Sea Eagles led 18-15 at the main break with both defences right on top.
The third quarter was the highest scoring of the match, the Cobras winning it 12-10 to find it trailing 28-27 with a quarter left to play.
Both teams’ defensive structures then proved water-tight, the Sea Eagles outscoring the Cobras 7-4 in the final quarter to win it by four.
While the defence of both teams was right on top, it was Sea Eagles goal-attack Sophia Hughes that took home the Anzac Medal for her efforts throughout the match.
The other cracking contest of round three took place at the Korumburra Showgrounds, where Dalyston came from one goal back at the final break to score an epic 40-39 win.
Korumburra-Bena led by three at the first change, before the Magpies bounced back with a 12-10 second term.
Both teams scored nine goals in the third quarter, leaving the Giants one goal ahead with a session left to play.
The game was crying out for a match-winner and Britt Thomas (GA) filled the breach, scoring eight last-quarter goals to get the Magpies across the line.
Ruby Brosnan and Eva Garnham played terrifically well for the Magpies through the midcourt.
In other games this week, Tooradin-Dalmore burst out of the blocks scoring 20 first-quarter goals on its way to a 63-41 win over a gallant Warragul Industrials, while Phillip Island showed great spirit in a 52-48 victory over Kilcunda-Bass.
Scores were level at three-quarter time before the class of Aisha Hibbert (GS), Ella Duggan (GA) and Maya Huther (C) propelled the Bulldogs to victory in the final term.
And Nar Nar Goon remains undefeated and sitting proudly at the top of the ladder after a 52-32 win over Kooweerup.
In a strong indication of its play the Goon won all four quarters of the match, building a four-goal lead to nine at half time and 16 at the final orange break.
Taylah Boatwood (GK) was once again resolute in defence, while Darcy Utber (GA) and Morgan Harris (GD) rock-solid four-quarter efforts.
Due to the split round there will be only three games played this Saturday; but all should be absolute beauties.
Nar Nar Goon host Tooradin-Dalmore, Dalyston roll out the welcome mat for Cora Lynn, while Garfield heads to Kooweerup in a game that could go either way.
