By David Nagel
A powerful second-half surge has secured Nar Nar Goon its most significant victory of the season against three-time reigning premier Inverloch-Kongwak on Saturday.
Despite going into the round-six West Gippsland contest as clear favourites, the Goon will gain a huge mental boost from its 53-36 triumph against a team it has struggled to compete with in recent seasons.
The Sea Eagles showed calmness and composure in the opening quarter, leading 11-9 at the first break, with midcourters Renee Pilkington (C), Ivy Hunter (WA) and Kate French (WD) providing goalers Kelly Boyd (GS) and Sophia Hughes (GA) with plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents.
At the opposite end of the court, defenders Linsey Boddy (GK) and Asha Boyd (GD) were keeping the dangerous Goon goalers under wraps.
The game changed complexion in the second quarter with the introduction of Alex Fenton (WD) and Emilee Dunn (WA) sparking the Goon into action.
With Kyra Esler (GS) finding her range in the circle, the Goon scored 14-11 in the second stanza to take a one-goal lead to half time.
The Sea Eagles suffered a major blow when Boddy went off the court injured, and when Boyd was also hampered in defence the Goon had the perfect opportunity to pounce.
And that’s exactly what the visitors did, with the sharp shooting of Esler – supplied by the great feeds of Darcy Utber (GA), Chantelle Dale (C) and Olivia Hamilton (WA) – taking control of the contest.
The Goon outscored the Sea Eagles 30-14 in the second half with the defensive pressure of Tayla Boatwood (GK) and Morgan Harris (GD) proving too much for the premiers to handle.
The Goon has bragging rights for now; but the Sea Eagles will be strengthened by one or two key inclusions and there’s a long way to go in the season!
Tooradin-Dalmore is breathing a huge sigh of relief after squaring away its season at 3-3 with a hard-fought 54-45 victory over Phillip Island.
The Seagulls currently find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting outside the top six, but have begun the climb back with three solid quarters of netball.
With goaler Alex Maher (GS) shining brightly, the Gulls led 14-8 at quarter time before the Bulldogs returned fire with a 17-14 riposte.
Leading by three with a half to play, the Gulls ground their way to the four premiership points in steady, but unspectacular fashion.
Third and fourth quarters of 13-10 and 13-11 achieved their one and only aim for the day.
Ash Bowden, Ella Cunningham and Summah Boyd defended well in the circle for the Gulls, while the up-and-back running of Zoe Coventry played a key role in the result.
Cora Lynn is cruising along very nicely indeed in third place on the ladder after the Cobras overcame a brave challenge from Kilcunda-Bass at Bass.
In a low-scoring affair, only four goals separated the teams at three-quarter time before the Cobras piled on 10 goals to five in the final term to return home with a 39-30 result.
Co-captain Danielle Cameron (WD) was relived of her usual deep defensive role for three quarters and relished the freedom to create opportunities through the midcourt.
Brooke Abu Jaber (GA) was also effective for the Cobs, while Grace Rand (WA) and Caity Stephens (GD) produced four-quarter efforts for the Panthers.
In other games, Britt Thomas had a day out scoring 47 goals in Dalyston’s 58-31 win over Garfield, while Korumburra-Bena remain in second place after a 49-31 success over Kooweerup.
The Giants were magnificent defensively in the opening exchanges, with Fiona Burns (GK) and Gemma Dixon (GD) keeping the Demons to just three first-quarter goals.
Kooweerup improved significantly after quarter, but the early deficit proved too much of a mountain to climb.
Kate Sidebottom (C) was terrific after being a noticeable absence in the first quarter, while Chelsea Gibson (WD) and Jayda McConkey (GS) also restricted the lead from extending.
The match of the day in round seven sees third-placed Cora Lynn host second-placed Korumburra-Bena.
