By Nick Creely
OUTER EAST NETBALL
REVIEW – ROUND 5
PREMIER
With Olinda Ferny Creek enjoying a well-deserved bye, it was Beaconsfield’s turn to showcase their extraordinary capability as one of the most devastating sides in the competition.
The Eagles have – at times – played second-fiddle to the early season dominance of the Bloods, but travelled up to Upwey Tecoma and dominated from start to finish, 71-28.
The 43-goal win was set up by a solid 34-16 first half, but it was the second half that the Eagles blitzed the court, outscoring the home side by a staggering 25 goals.
In vintage touch, Bianca Sanzaro (44 goals) and Danielle Roberts (27) were a class above, while Rylee Nelson, Tenelle Morrell and Zoe Mason were all in the best.
Woori Yallock, meanwhile, held off a plucky Berwick after a dominant first quarter set up its win at Edwin Flack Reserve, 55-43.
The Tigers were brilliant in the early stages, scoring 28 first term goals to open up a 15 goal quarter time lead, but the home side fought back in a closely fought second term to be trailing by 14 goals at the main break.
The Wickers refused to go away, with Emma Clarke in excellent touch with 33 goals, but the Tigers held firm in the second half to come away with the four points.
In other matches across the Premier Division, Wandin held off Narre Warren in an almighty upset to finally open its account in 2019, 43-41 in what was a topsy-turvy encounter, while Cranbourne did enough to defeat Healesville away, 35-20. Tahlia Coates was outstanding for the Eagles with 20 goals.
DIVISION 1
ROC’s superb opening month of the season continued with a 62-35 win against Belgrave at Starling Road.
The Kangaroos were challenged early in a tightly-fought 13-10 opening quarter, but powered away to continue their domination.
On another excellent day for the Roos, Samantha Neil, Sarah Castricum and Zoe Callanan were in the best, while for the Magpies Ellen Anthony, Naomi Hargreaves and Alisha Parissis battled hard.
Monbulk, meanwhile, opened its account in 2019 with a strong win against a high-quality Pakenham outfit at home, 52-39.
The Hawks led narrowly at every change and then broke away in the final term to set up the 13 goal win, with Stephanie Puopolo, Paige Whitworth and Sophie Stubbs enjoying strong games across the court.
For the Lions, Kyra Esler never gave in with a 26 goal effort, while Caitlin Cooke, Abbey Tognazzini and Jenna Douglas were all strong.
In the remaining matches across Division 1, a red-hot Warburton Millgrove were simply too good for Emerald in the 60-41 win away from home, while Mount Evelyn proved they are going to be a side to keep an eye on with a 39-20 win against Doveton
