Giants make it two on the trot after a fast start
GEELONG West coach Amy Barton praised her young side’s nerve and fast start to grind out a seven-goal win against Anakie to capture the team’s second win for the year.
The Giants were quick on board and held their lead through most of the match, eventually holding onto the 54-47 victory.
Naomi Maaka was crucial on the offensive end, finishing with a matchwinning 43 goals, while Kristie March chipped in with 11.
Nikki Slaven shot 27 and Kellie Watts had 20 for the Roos.
Stacey McKone was solid in defence for the Giants, creating many turnovers and Jessica Hayes was a standout in the mid court.
The Giants now sit 11th, one place behind the Roos on percentage.
“We wanted to get a good jump, we had a bit of a sketchy start against Anakie last time we played, our aim was to get the jump on them and keep the pressure up,” Barton said.
She said her side could have played better on the day, but showed its desire to win.
“We didn’t play our best, but we had the hunger to hold on and win,” she said.
Barton also said she made “a lot of risky changes at halftime, but it showed our depth and the girls held their nerve”.
“Our composure really stood out, we played steady netball, slowed the game down and created a lot of turnovers,” she said.
Barton said her team was not getting ahead of itself, despite winning two games in a row.
“We’re not getting over-confident, we’re second last, so there’s not much to play for in regards for this season, but the girls are showing great pride,” she said.
Corio 84 v Winchelsea 41
CORIO shooter Cassidy Stewart shot 69 goals in the Devils’ thumping 84-41 win over Winchelsea.
The Devils came out firing in the first quarter, applying full court pressure and moving the ball swiftly down court, finding Stewart under the post 22 times in the first quarter.
Jessica Cox and Holly Milsome impressed in the centre position for the Devils, creating multiple turnovers and a path to goal.
Shayna Poto provided great assistance in the goal circle, helping to convert the Devils’ highest score for the season.
Eliza Kramer and Chloe McKiernan were tireless in defence, denying Winchelsea of any easy scoring opportunities in the defensive circle.
It was an encouraging four quarters from Kramer after some time away overseas.
Winchelsea says there were “no excuses” for its opening quarter, which virtually decided the game after only 15 minutes of play.
The Blues’ intensity lifted throughout the second and third quarters, with Lisa Van Halen coming off the interchange into goal shooter, providing a calm head and steadied young talent Ebony Berg.
Sara Groves started to back her talent after quarter-time and committed to a game that saw her in a strong partnership with Meg Royal in Winchelsea’s defensive third, while still hunting throughout the mid court.
Connie Royal finished well in the final quarter in goal keeper but the side’s fitness was lacking and was unsupported by any mid-court defence.
“Today we created our own speed bump in a season that has otherwise been building,” the club wrote.
Belmont 51 v Thomson 63
BELMONT started strong, with fluid play down the court and took a fourgoal lead at quarter-time, helped by Maddie Iredell’s shooting accuracy.
Thomson reassessed its game plan and, with its speed through the mid court provided by Shannyn Leach and Jess Lowe, was able to turn the scoreboard in its favour with a fourgoal lead at the main break.
Jess Rethus, who has been pivotal in the Lions’ mid court, sustained a hand injury that forced her to the sideline temporarily before coming back to finish strong.
However, the accurate shooting of Errin Lang and quick pace through the mid court proved too much for the Lions to rein in, going down by 12 goals.