Swans down but rise to challenge
SOUTH BARWON coach Jordee Nichols has praised the effort of her side despite coming up short against powerhouse Newtown & Chilwell.
The untouchable Eagles pulled away from a tight spot, winning the middle quarters 33-20 to set up a 61-46 win.
Nichols felt like her side was in the hunt halfway through but knew the champions would be hard to catch.
“I have played a lot against that team and know that a lot of teams run with them for a half and they tend to push it out from there and that is what happened with us,” she said.
“In saying that, we are so young and I honestly couldn’t be prouder. It was really only the third quarter that they got on top of us, I was stoked with our performance.”
Star Newtown & Chilwell goalers Zanna Woods (38 of 41 shooting) and Julia Woolley (23 of 25) were near-on perfect under the hoop.
But they were matched by South Barwon’s Ellen Doyle (40 of 44), who has been thrown from defence to attack this season and slotted in as a target up front.
The Swans have slumped to 0-3 after losses to finals aspirants St Joseph’s and Colac be“I
fore Saturday’s effort but have unearthed some young talent, with Maddison McKiernan and Tilly Puckett impressive.
Star veteran Olivia Cameron remains 3-4 weeks from a return after dislocating her finger against Colac.
“I was really hoping we would push for that fourth or fifth (position) but our season draw is bloody tough,” Nichols said.
think we can compete with just about anyone, it is just about getting those connections and getting some Agrade experience.”
Elsewhere, the match of the day came between two bitter rivals, as St Mary’s and St Joseph’s played out a thrilling draw.
Joeys were the pacesetters and broke open a seven-goal lead at halftime but with sharp shooting from the Saints’ Grace Parker (32 of 43) dragged the game back before finishing on 45 apiece.
Colac has set up a top-ofthe-table clash with Newtown & Chilwell next week after withstanding a Geelong West fightback.
The Giants scored 17-6 in the third term to close the gap after a slow start but the Tigers steadied to win 49-40.
Colac sits 5-0 before a game against Newtown & Chilwell (3-0) on Saturday.
Near on perfect shooting from star Supersaint Jane Cook helped St Albans get past a highly competitive Bell Park. Cook went 49 of 51 from the field in typically classy fashion to help set up a sevengoal victory.
Leopold made it two in a row, with Georgina Cuthbertson (9-of-12 shooting) crucial in downing Grovedale 43-45.