Tigers’ win opens premiership race
BANNOCKBURN 36 d WERRIBEE CENTRALS 31 THE mighty Centurions suffered their first defeat of the season, with Bannockburn producing the strong full-court defensive game required to shut them down.
The Tigers’ stirring 36-31 upset win throws open the premiership race.
The game was riddled with errors as the intense pressure applied by both sides constantly created turnovers.
Erin Dillon was judged Bannockburn’s best player with another faultless display at goal defence, while Celeste De Munari and Leigh Potter rounded out a dominant defensive trio. Ellie Tubbs managed 24 goals for Werribee to make the most of the limited clean ball available, while Lauren Winter tried hard to lift the Centrals to victory in a thrilling last quarter.
The result will give confidence to other premiership aspirants that the powerhouse can be tamed, but may also give the Centrals a muchneeded reality check. SOME adjustment was required pre-match for East Geelong with star shooter Shannon Pietsch unavailable.
The first half was very even as the mid-court creating plenty of chances under the ring for the Giants, while East struggled for accuracy.
Emily Catchpole was given the shooters bib after halftime, allowing Steph Boyce to join the underrated Molly Neeson in defence and both moves had an immediate effect.
The Giants were starved of opportunity, scoring only five goals after the long break, while Catchpole dropped in a game-high 18 goals. THOMSON has certainly solved the problem of its slow starts, opening up a stunning 19-goal lead at quarter-time.
Bec Lebish continued her impressive year in defence, constantly cutting off the Magpies’ attacks and setting up a dominant mid-court.
Emma Witham had no problems with the tough conditions (42 goals at a 86 per cent). Shae Rowbottom battled hard for North across the court and youngster Taylah Maar continues to improve her game with another strong display. THE Corio defenders were at their frugal best, restricting Inverleigh to only 20 goals.
Carla Snellen provided the bulk of the Devils’ goals with 23 and along with new addition Megan Goonan at wing attack, the pair created plenty of chances for the Devils.
Benita Eygenraam continued her good form in defence for Inverleigh and worked effectively with Jade Bell and Elise Lever to limit the Devils’ scoring opportunities. THE Roos bounced back from a disappointing loss last week with a win over the Panthers.
Key shooter Cassidy Nelson was out again with injury, but Tamika Mrkogaca-Marks (35 goals) and a more confident Eden Anderson (28) filled the void for Anakie.
Lauren Keam led the Roos’ defence again, linking with the strong mid-court group to always have control of the game.
Ruth Swaney and Karla Poole tried hard to keep Bell Post Hill in the game, but the improving Anakie outfit pulled away for another confidence boosting victory. NAOMI Edwards was dynamic under the ring early for Belmont, but a restructure of the defensive positions — with the consistent duo Lillian Kent and Steph Hillman swapping bibs — reduced her effectiveness.
Ebony Berg led the Blues attack again, as she continues to blossom with responsibility.