Dragons’ knockout blow
BELL Park secured fourth spot on the ladder — and knocked Colac out of the finals race — with a narrow 54-50 win on Saturday.
The Dragons have hit finals with momentum after fighting back from an early deficit to hold on for a win as the tight GFL home-and-away season delivered one last twist.
Bree Walton was the architect of Bell Park’s victory, bringing scoring power (23 goals at 86 per cent) and her typically high workrate up the court.
Midcourter Kaitlyn Sheringham was also prolific as the Dragons stormed back into the contest in the second quarter, outscoring Colac 15-7.
“With finals on the line, both teams gave their best efforts and at times the contests were quite physical,” Bell Park coach Jackie Riddle said.
“We responded well in the second quarter (after being eight goals down). We were able to maintain control of the game for the remainder of the match.
“Bree Walton was outstanding — her drives and creativity created space in the attack end and her defensive pressure helped set up opportunities and turnovers.
“Having a good win going into finals consolidates our belief. It builds confidence knowing we can close out pressure games.
“Our preparation will remain fairly similar to a regular week, focusing on set plays and combinations that we will use against St Joseph’s.”
Colac coach Sara Hay was left to rue a missed opportunity after a season of promise, admitting her team was “extremely disappointed” with its loss.
“We had a great start, we led the first quarter by eight goals,” she said.
“Our pressure seemed to drop, and that was all it took for Bell Park to get back in the match. We then struggled to get back on top.
“Although we had some really strong patches of netball, it wasn’t enough to gain back the lead.
“We feel we would have made an impact in finals, because the skill level within the group is there.
“Unfortunately for us, we’ll have to sit this one out.”