By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 10
It may have just been a slender one-goal margin, but it can count for everything in netball.
ROC just couldn’t quite find enough goals to trump a Beaconsfield side full of class, in a 47-46 blockbuster at Starling Road on Saturday.
A Kangaroo win would have put them into fifth spot on the ladder, but agonisingly stay in sixth by the barest of margins.
The Eagles – who have lost just two matches this season – were on song early – and managed to sneak out to a two-goal margin despite some great fight by Sharon Hook’s side.
The home side managed to keep within touch at half time after drawing even with 13-goals apiece in the second quarter, but the Eagles had the answers in a critical third term, increasing their lead to three-goals courtesy of an 11-10 quarter.
In what was a massive final term, the likes of Danielle Fedel, Bianca Sanzaro, Ashleigh Gill and Tanya Mijovic managed to hold firm for what was a brilliant all-round defensive effort.
Down at Edwin Flack Reserve, Cranbourne found their mojo in a 56-31 win over the winless Berwick, solidifying their fourth placed position.
Off the back of a class 37-goal display by Tahlia Coates, the Eagles were in control from the outset and gained some percentage.
For the Wickers, Kassidy Withers (15 goals), Brittany Pym and Taylah Butterworth were among the best for the home side.
Under the AJ Robinson Reserve lights for ‘The Long Walk’ clash between Doveton and Narre Warren, the Magpies got the chocolates in 41-32 victory, keeping in touch with the top-two as a result.
The Magpies – superbly led by Jemma Osborne (GS) with 27-goals – got the fast break, surging out to a 12-6 quarter time lead, and were never headed in a commanding display in front of a big crowd.
Others to impress on a great night for the visitors were Chloe Phillips, Caitlin Stephens in defence, as well as star Brittany Mashado.
In a gallant defeat that leaves the Doves hanging on to fifth spot, Zali Mifsud, Helen-Margaret Ashin (15 goals) were strong.
Finally, Tooradin-Dalmore kept their winning run going with a comfortable 46-33 victory over Pakenham at home.
Looking ahead to Round 11, and the blockbuster clash between Narre Warren and Tooradin-Dalmore is one not to miss at Kalora Park.
The Seagulls are undefeated and score an average of 54.1 goals a game, but come up against a firing Magpie side on their home court, which is no easy task.
Down at Toomuc Reserve, Karen Meredith’s Pakenham will be eagerly eyeing off a major scalp in second-placed Beaconsfield, but the Eagles are on fire and are as well-rounded around the court as any side in the competition.
And finally, ROC will be looking to break back into fifth position when they host the winless Berwick at Starling Road.
The Kangaroos have been second-last in scoring this season, but come up against a side that has leaked on average 55.9 goals a game, so will fancy their chances to gain a strong win.
