09 Apr NETBALL: Thomson tops the table, Anakie gallant in defeat
Reigning Margaret Webb medallist Shannyn Leach paid tribute to her Anakie opposition on the weekend following a gallant display of A-Grade netball in sweltering conditions.
Thomson’s 58-33 away win proved enough for the reigning premier to secure top spot on the table this week while Errin Lang’s 33 goal haul would surpass Eliza Cole’s (Winchelsea) 32 from the night before.
Nevertheless there were still highlights from the home side, inspired by underdog wins earlier in the day from Anakie’s 17&U (20-11), D-Grade (23-14), C-Grade (32-23) and B-Grade (37-32).
“I was quite nervous because you don’t know what you’re going to go up against in Round 1 and they recruited Brydi Toyne (Grovedale) and Cassidy Nelson (Anakie),” Leach admitted.
“But they (Anakie) were tough and physical and our score line didn’t do Anakie justice to be honest.”
She added, “We just had a good run in the second quarter which kept us ahead for the rest of the game.”
The visitors hoped to capitalise on the departure of GDFNL team of the year member Jo Couch who returned to Narrandera during the off season.
As a result, returning stars Hannah Flint and Imogen Bennett shared the role of centre in the first half.
“The girls have trained so well and it showed today that while the weather was tough we were able to run it out,” Leach added.
“Kelsey Wallack (who came up from B-Grade) was amazing as was Beck Lebish (Myrtleford recruit) who we brought on as a goal-keeper from quarter time; she was just an intercept queen.”
Thomson will return home this weekend to host Bell Post Hill who were unable to hold off Belmont on Saturday in their 46-47 thriller.
“You never know what to expect with Joy (Grubb) given she’s such an amazing coach so its hard to know what to expect.”
Other games include Corio (second) vs. North Geelong (fourth) and Winchelsea (seventh) vs. Anakie (12th) under lights.
By Alex Tigani
GDFNL Media (09/04/2018)
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