By Nick Creely
OUTER EAST NETBALL
REVIEW – ROUND 11
PREMIER
Can they be stopped?
Olinda Ferny Creek’s complete and utter dominance over the competition continued with yet another frightening performance, this time against Upwey Tecoma at home, 89-35.
It is the biggest win of the Bloods’ A Grade season in an indicator they show absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Over the course of the first 10 matches of the season, they are averaging a tick under 80 goals a game, numbers that continue to grow each passing round.
In an incredible individual performance, Peri Stewart scored a whopping 76 goals, to take her season tally to 524, almost 300 more than the next best in the competition, Chloe Phillips of Narre Warren.
Stewart did as she pleased, with the Bloods taking in a 24-10 quarter time lead that soon ballooned to 27 at the major break, before scoring 42-15 in the final two quarters to seal a monster win.
While the dominant Stewart was clearly the best on court, Georgia Martin and Brianna Hipwell were equally sublime.
Perhaps Olinda’s biggest challengers, Beaconsfield, also notched up an impressive – yet less frantic win – against Narre Warren at home, 42-34.
The Eagles kept itself entrenched in the top-two, courtesy of a fast-star that couldn’t be headed despite a gallant fightback from the Magpies.
Rylee Nelson, Teneille Morrell and Danielle Roberts (22 goals) all starred for the home side, while goal attack Chelsea Tonna, defender Caitlin Egan and star Brittany Mashado each played vital roles for the visitors.
In the remaining matches across the Premier Division, Berwick defeated Healesville 34-24, while Woori Yallock pipped Wandin in a tight game, 47-42.
DIVISION 1
ROC suffered its first loss of the Division 1 A Grade season, falling to Monbulk away from home, 47-39.
The win is significant for the Hawks, who create a bit of a buffer in fourth spot, while for the Kangaroos, its hardly a disaster as they still sit a game and percentage clear on top.
The two sides were even at quarter time, but the Hawks jumped out of the blocks in the second term to surge six goals clear.
Despite the impressive Kangaroos showing plenty of resolve, the home side always had the answers in the second half, with Paige Whitworth particularly influential in defence, while Stephanie Puopolo was a menace with 42 goals.
For the Kangaroos, Emily McInnes and Sarah Castricum did all they could to wrestle back the momentum.
Another side to send somewhat of a statement to the competition on the weekend was Pakenham, with the Lions dismantling Doveton at home to keep a grip on third spot, 45-18.
The Lions’ defenders were sublime to cut off the Doves in attack, and still managed to do their fair share of attacking, increasing a handy lead at every change to boost its percentage and top-two aspirations.
It was a solid term effort from the Lions, but Abbey Tognazzini was strong in the defensive half, while Georgie Douglas showed plenty in a terrific all-round performance.
Warburton Millgrove, meanwhile, snared a win against Belgrave, 45-34, while Mount Evelyn had too much class for Emerald at home, 56-38.
