Tigers win nailbiter
YOU only need to look at the quarter-byquarter scoreline to see how close Saturday’s clash between Geelong West and Colac was to being a draw.
The teams were either tied or separated by a goal at each break, before the Tigers prevailed in a thrilling final quarter to clinch a one-goal victory over the Giants as the GFL’s race to the finals took another twist.
“It was a really tough game, but we always knew it was going to be tough,” Tigers cocoach Hope Carmody said.
The ability to convert from turnovers ultimately got the Tigers over the line in a match that could have gone either way.
“Rhiannon (Whitson) and Georgia (Finn) were excellent in defence,” Carmody said.
“They constantly created turnovers and were crucial in creating patches of three or four goals in a row.”
Another strong performance from Kelsey Lang put her in the best for the fifth time this season.
“She performs week in, week out and she’s a real leader among our junior players despite her own youth,” Carmody said.
“Overall it was a nicely controlled game and even when the pressure was on, they held steady.
“It was also good to see we can make changes to give us some fresher legs, like moving Georgia from keeper to goal defence in the final term.”
For Giants coach Catherine Gillespie, the 48-49 loss reinforced the importance of providing better “second options”.
“We need to be putting in that second effort the entire game. Players looked pretty tired and didn’t shut down double plays in the end,” Gillespie said.
“The game was tight the whole way, which is good for netball, but disappointing for us.”
Giants’ goaler Madeleine White was nimble in the ring, amassing 31 goals at an impressive 84 per cent accuracy.
The loss puts fourth-placed Geelong West (22 points) vulnerable against the chasing pack, with Leopold, South Barwon, Colac and St Joseph’s all in hot pursuit on 20 points.
The Giants face a tough match next weekend against in-form St Albans.
“We were coming off a high heading into the game against Colac, but it just goes to show we can’t rest on our laurels,” Gillespie said.