Star returns as Eagles land win
NEWTOWN & Chilwell has scored a timely boost ahead of finals, with star shooter Kath Nutt getting through her return from a calf injury in Saturday’s win over St Albans.
The premiership favourite ran out 22-goal winners at St Albans Reserve and was never really troubled by a finalsbound Supersaints outfit.
Nutt’s return is significant for coach Jason Woolley, with the veteran bringing star power in attack to a team already bursting with talent.
Nutt, who earlier this season returned from pregnancy, got through all four quarters in goal shooter, teaming up superbly with Julia Woolley in the goal circle.
“We’ve been managing her as she comes back from pregnancy. She’s had those calf/ achilles (tendon) injuries,” Woolley said of Nutt, who had not played since facing Colac in Round 13.
“The body goes lax for a good nine to 12 months (when you’re pregnant). With all the other injuries (we’ve had), we sort of brought her back ahead of schedule.
“She pulled up really well, she moved really well, so I’m really happy with how she got through the game. It was like she never missed a beat.”
And in more good news, Woolley is confident midcourter Dani Stewart should return for finals as she makes strong progress recovering from a calf injury.
Vanessa Augustini was again a shining light in centre, filling the void left by Stewart perfectly.
Young defender Mel Oloamanu’s star also continues to rise, putting in a strong performance in defence on towering Supersaint goaler Tharjini Sivalingam.
“She has stepped up,” Woolley said of Oloamanu, who has played mostly Bgrade this season.
“Playing on Tharjini is a big ask. She played the first three quarters and stepped up really well.”
Newtown & Chilwell set up the win with a strong first half, making the most of the decent conditions before the rain hit in the final term.
“The first half we were able to set the game up nicely,” Woolley said.
“To get (Nutt) back in and for the girls to play so well with Dani Stewart missing was a good result.”