SHARP SHOOTERS

Joeys’ defenders stand tall in win

DESPITE challenging conditions, St Joseph’s held on to cement a four-goal win against Grovedale in the final minutes of the game.

“The game was a really good hitout for us ... towards the end it could have gone either way,” Joeys co-coach Kirsten Hood said.

“Once you look beyond the first couple of teams you can see how even the competition is.”

Joeys defenders Tori Honner and Karla Payne excelled against taller opposition, while Emily Post again starred in the midcourt in the 42-38 win.

“Emily was across the board and stepped up when the game hung in the balance,” Hood said.

Joeys hope to consolidate the result next week against North Shore.

“Realistically we just need to keep notching up wins. We’re still just getting to know each other, bringing in new players and refining our game,” Hood said.

After a 30-goal loss in wet conditions on Anzac Day, Grovedale coach Tracy Wallace was impressed with the Tigers’ performance in the wet conditions.

“We played South Barwon in the wet and didn’t do well, so it was great to see the improvement on Saturday,” Wallace said.

“We were missing a couple of mid-court players and we’re a very young team. I don’t want to put any expectations on the girls ... the focus of this rebuilding stage is to gel together as a team.”

The Tigers’ promising young talent includes former Newtown & Chilwell player Uneeq Palavi in goal shooter, whose pinpoint accuracy again proved irresistible on Saturday, shooting 32 goals from 34 attempts.

Under-15s players Melissa Oloamanu and Lucia Fauonuku in defence are also part of the Grovedale rebuild. Grovedale faces undefeated St Alban’s next week, but Wallace says every week the focus was about becoming a more cohesive playing group.

“The kids have a lot going on in their lives with VNL commitments and school, so I guess the biggest challenge is finding the time to all practice as a team,” Wallace said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on the girls, although of course I want us to do well.

“I’m happy with where we’re at after only four rounds.”