Coach calls for intensity after big victory

THOMSON coach Terry Corry has praised his side’s second-half performance in the thumping win against Geelong West, but still feels there is room for improvement.

Corry said intensity would be a factor in his side’s premiership push.

The Tigers held a solid 17-goal lead at the main break, before flicking the switch in the second half to run away with a 89-44 victory over the Giants.

Errin Lang was a dominant force with 62 goals. Naomi Maaka topscored for the Giants with 29. With the win, the Tigers hold third on the ladder, leading Corio on percentage.

“We’re still working on putting four solid quarters of intensity, and we stepped up after halftime defensively and offensively, our work rate increased, which was great because there was no intensity in the first half,” Corry said.

“(Geelong West) has improved a lot, over the last eight weeks they have really stepped up.”

He also said he trialled new positions for Giorgia Hinkley and Elley Heard.

Corry said his side must be ready against North Geelong in order to push for the double chance.

“I think once we get over next week, (finals) will then hit the girls pretty hard, but we can’t focus on the finals until we know who we play,” he said. CORIO hit the ground running against Anakie, moving the ball swiftly.

Cassidy Nelson shot a season-high 75 goals, fed well by teammates Jessica Cox, Holly Milsome and Jaymie Lowe.

The Devils made changes at halftime, allowing the team to trial new combinations, showcase the side’s depth and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Eliza Kramer worked hard to pressure the Roos’ goal circle, and Mady Menzel and Chloe McKiernan worked tirelessly to limit defensive circle entry.

Anakie goal keeper Clare Sutton had her work cut out but was lightning fast in snapping up any loose balls and kept applying pressure on Corio’s accurate shooting combination. Anakie captain Bridget Byrnes worked hard in goal defence, and was able to effect several turnovers. FOUR consistent quarters of netball allowed the Hawks to increased their lead at every break.

Inverleigh shooter Vanessa Finley- McDonald produced a standout game with a 52 goals.

Winchelsea goal shooter Eliza Cole (29 goals) worked into good position and converted well considering the blustery conditions. Cole was supported by the creative ball delivery of wing attack Angie Mawson and the strong drives of Kendall Carracher.

Inverleigh inched away with the game in the second half, capitalising on its chances, while Winchelsea could not force enough defensive turnovers. THE first half was a good tussle, with Werribee enjoying a slight edge over the Lions.

Werribee led by four at the first break and seven at halftime, before making a change in their attacking end, bringing on Jenni Rothery into the ring, which proved the game changer, providing much more movement in the ring.

Jess Higgins was strong in the Lions’ defensive end, making sure of any rebounds.

But inaccuracy in the Lions’ shooting end proved costly against the slick Werribee side that ran away for a convincing 23-goal win.

Amanda Wilson, Brigette Ardossi, Gemma Grimmond and Paras Mackenzie proved to be consistently strong for Werribee, despite rotating positions in defence. IN a tight match, East Geelong held a one-goal lead going into the last quarter, increasing it to three before the game took a shift late when East Geelong goal keeper Tahlia Billows went down with a back injury.

Bannockburn took advantage and seized the opportunity, running out a five-goal winner.

Nicki Everist was East’s best with a strong performance in wing attack in what was a physical contest. Nic O’Brien was also effective in goal defence, taking many intercepts and being the link player in centre court.

For Bannockburn, Shannon Pietsch’s movement in the ring was pivotal, finishing with 14 goals, and Georgia Duncan was solid again. NORTH started well and had control of the first half, helped by strong defence and the hard work of Shae Rowbottom in attack.

The third quarter belonged with the centre court of North Geelong’s Cody Dixon, Shayne Pitman and Ashlee Roach, who fed the goalers well, with Rowbottom shooting most of the goals with assistance from Stephanie Hillman.