SAINTS ON THE MARCH
ST MARY’S is firming as a top-three contender after overpowering South Barwon in a 71-52 win on Saturday.
Inspired by a brilliant shooting performance from Hannah Van Gemst, the Saints skipped eight goals clear at the first break and marched to a comfortable victory against a Swans side down on personnel.
Despite sitting one win clear in third position on the ladder, St Mary’s coach Bruce Waldron kept the result in perspective, recognising the Swans missed key players.
“It’s certainly not one we pencilled in as a win but if we meet them later on in the finals it will be another tough match,” Waldron said.
“They didn’t have two of their bookend players, (shooter) Ruby Horton and (defender) Ellen Doyle. But of course we’ll take a win — South Barwon are South Barwon.”
Strong performances all over the court cemented the Saints’ win. Laura Cayzer ran the ball accurately through the midcourt and Bianca Cheever’s versatility in defence and centre was vital.
An outstanding performance from shooter Van Gemst ensured most of the Saints’ entries resulted in goals. She was responsible for 60 of St Mary’s 71 goals, shooting at 96 per cent accuracy, to keep the Saints in control all game.
The Swans’ defenders tried valiantly to curtail Van Gemst’s influence but were left with barely any rebounds opportunities, such was the shooter’s conversation rate.
“We had two debut players and were missing three of our starting seven players,” Swans co-coach Stacey Dodd said.
“But we still walked away positive with our heads held high because there were some really good passages of play in the game. We didn’t feel it (the final score) reflected our performance as such.”
The Saints’ attention now turns to next round’s game against Grovedale.
“I didn’t look much beyond South Barwon but I’ll be taking a good look at them,” Waldron said.
“They’ve got some really good players and consistently turn up with a strong squad.”
With star shooter Horton out indefinitely with Victorian Fury commitments, Jenna Boseley missing with a broken arm and question marks over Doyle’s return, the Swans are entering the unknown next match against Bell Park.
“I expect it to be a similar game style next week, but we’ve got a lot to work on at training, which we’ll do,” said Dodd.
“We are competitive and it hurts to lose.”