Salter back to balance Roos side

Harrow-balmoral’s quest to advance up the Horsham District A Grade ladder has received a boost with the return of multiple league best and fairest winner Ebonie Salter.

Salter, who made her way back into the line-up on Saturday after having a baby a couple of months ago, slotted back into defence alongside talented junior Ella Rees.

Coach Amy Lewis said Salter’s return would allow the Southern Roos to have a good mix of youth and experience at both ends of the court.

“Having Eb back also allows Megan Russell to be that versatile player who can play in the midcourt, but also swing back into defence if we need her to,” she said.

“Megan is so strong, fit and fast. There aren’t too many centres who have such an impact defensively. She took quite a few intercepts on the weekend.”

Russell was named best on court in the Southern Roos’ 25-goal win over Noradjuha-quantong on Saturday.

After a close first quarter, the visitors pulled away to dominate the scoreboard for the rest of the match.

Lewis put the strong result down to a team effort.

“This week every single player on the court did their job for a full four quarters,” she said.

“I don’t know if it was bouncing back after a disappointing onegoal loss or what it was, but everyone worked really hard.

“Despite the result it was a very high work-rate game. You felt the whole time that if you took your foot off the pedal, they would peg back the margin.”

Lucy Brand, 19 goals, and defender Brooke Pay were the Bombers’ best, while Sammy Crick had an impact in the midcourt for Harrow-balmoral.

The Southern Roos will now turn their attention to ladder leader Laharum after the interleague break.

Lewis said she looked forward to the challenge.

“Because of the bye we’ll have a practice match on Thursday night so we have another game in our legs before we come up against them,” she said.

“It’s going to be a tough match – they haven’t lost a game – but I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.”

Comprehensive win

Laharum is coming off a comprehensive 35-goal win over fourth-placed Edenhope-apsley.

Demons defenders Ema Iredell and Erin Mellington shone in the victory, making it difficult for the Saints goalies to score.

Defender Cynthia Watt was best for Edenhope-apsley, while Kara Shuttleworth worked tirelessly in wing attack to feed the ball to her goalies.

Second-placed Natimuk United also enjoyed a big triumph over another top-six side, downing Kalkee by 35 goals.

A 21-goal to one-goal second term set up the victory.

Midcourters Millie Mcrae and Jaymi O’connor tried hard for the Kees but defenders Jo Taylor and Casey Vanstan were resolute in defence, stopping many attempts at goal.

Michaela Armer, 29 goals, and Jade Ralph, 32, helped thirdplaced Swifts to a 30-goal win over Taylors Lake.

Despite the margin, the Lakers scored quite well, helped by a best-on-court effort from goal attack Sophie Heard, 12 goals, and Danielle Johnson, 19.

Jeparit-rainbow and Rupanyup played out the closest match of the round, with Rupanyup pulling away to win by 10 goals, 47-37.

Centre Alex Downes and goal shooter Blair Burke were the Panthers’ most influential players, while the Storm was best served by defenders Bridget Mckenzie and Olivia Revell. Round-six results: Laharum d Edenhope-apsley 52-17, Harrowbalmoral d Noradjuha-quantong 51-26, Swifts d Taylors Lake 6131, Natimuk United d Kalkee 6429, Rupanyup d Jeparit-rainbow 47-37.