NETBALL UPDATE: ANZAC DAY AND ROUND 3

29 Apr NETBALL UPDATE: ANZAC DAY AND ROUND 3

Another interesting round of matches in the GDFNL netball section, with Bannockburn just falling short again in their Anzac Day clash with Inverleigh, Thomson finally breaking the ice with a superb team effort to hold out the Belmont Lions and Winchelsea reminding Corio there is still a gap between the hunters and the hunted.
Tuesday’s match at Bannockburn to complete round 3, was a classic battle to highlight the status of the Anzac Day billing, with Inverleigh holding off a desperate a Bannockburn, 49-47 to remain undefeated on the A Grade ladder. Inverleigh created a three goal lead by quarter time and maintained the status quo through the middle section of the game as the Tigers mounted a challenge. Both defences were dominant with Rosie Shannahan holding Hawks star Cassidy Nelson to only 25 goals. Ella Wasik was also provided limited chances at the opposite end of the court, but her 24 goals came at an impressive 88% conversion. Riley Baker and Hayley Wilson continued their strong early season form for the Hawks and did most to hold out the Tigers late charge, led by a bold move to shift regular defender Grace Bath into the mid court.

Thomson finally regained their mojo with a confident showing to get their season under way. After struggling to put in a four quarter effort in either of the opening rounds, the City Tigers were able to remain composed under pressure and keep the Lions at bay. Cheyenne Philpott turned on another strong display under the ring, shooting an impressive 41 goals, while the versatile Emma Witham provided the mobile link at goal attack and dropped in 19 of her own. Star Lions shooter Angelique Ross was at her best with a 41 goal haul, but an improved full court defensive mindset helped Thomson restrict her supply enough to run away with a 60-44 win. Calsey Wolak displayed her best form after a long layoff for Thomson while Rachel Kirtley gave the Lions plenty of drive through the mid court.

Winchelsea flexed their muscle to remind Corio of what is required to match the stronger teams in the 60-36 contest. Molly Gribble was able to generate plenty of drive through the centre for the Devils, but Megan Goonan was the star of a miserly Blues defence. Ebony Berg was lively under the ring for the Blues, dropping in 16 goals and feeding Melody Philpott who scored a game high 34.

Anakie continued their much improved start to the season with a big 62-37 goal win over Geelong West. April McLean netted 45 goals for the Roos and Georgia Maclean tried hard all game for the Giants.

Another strong defensive display from East Geelong restricted the North Geelong attack in a low scoring 48-25 game. The tried and true pairing of Steph Boyce and Molly Neeson cut off supply to the normally damaging Tyler Lewis. Brittany Chapman was impressive in her first outing with the Magpies, while Zoey Perovic was adjudged best on court for her constant run through the middle court.

Werribee Centrals turned on another powerful display in their 64-24 win over Bell Post Hill. Ellie Tubbs finished off the dominant work of Natasha Dimkovski with 42 goals and Caitlin Hendricksen provided the link from defence. Macey Dover never stopped trying for the Panthers and Kaytlyn Stone again showed her class despite the wave of attack.