Poowong’s fairytale run continues
A grade: Poowong 46 defeated Warragul Industrials 45.
Both teams started the game composed with a steadying goal each to begin. Poowong held their composure to take the lead before taking advantage of a few opposition errors. With some great passages of play, Poowong came out on top in the first quarter by five goals.
Defensive pressure was up in the second quarter, with a few impressive intercepts in the midcourt. Poowong extended their lead in the early minutes before Dusties found confidence feeding into the ring and got back into contention. Dusties’ defenders worked hard in the ring to take intercepts which flowed down for conversion. After dominating the quarter, Dusties had the margin back to one goal, 2122.
The third was evenly contested as both teams put on the pressure and the physicality increased. The defenders for both teams demonstrated their skills, with brilliant intercepting and taps to get the ball producing turnovers and conversions. The score was tied at the last break, 33-all.
Poowong made good use of opportunities, gaining the early lead. Both sides went goalfor-goal with beautiful passages of play through the midcourt. Poowong’s goalers didn’t miss and, with the help of turnovers down the court, pushed the scoreline out to a sixgoal lead. Dusties put in an amazing last-ditch effort and brought the margin back to one goal but unfortunately ran out of time.
Best on court: Warragul Industrials’ goal attack Lara Commadeur.
B grade: Buln Buln 46 defeated Catani 31.
A steady start by both teams ensured an even scoreline. The wet court and rain made it difficult to keep the ball in possession. Catani’s goalers settled in first with their defence working hard to come away with the rebounds, only to have Buln’s midcourt take it back. At quarter time, scores were tied at 10-all.
With the rain clearing, Buln took the first turnover and produced a quick two-goal lead. Continuing with that confidence, they built the lead to five before Catani redeemed the possession and reciprocated to level the scores. Buln lifted in defence, continuing their domination, to take a four-goal lead at half-time.
Catani’s defensive pressure saw plenty of intercepts and rebounds to creep back. Catani’s movements were well considered to get back within one goal, only to have Buln surge once again. Buln’s midcourt players working well to keep the pressure on down the court. Feeding the goalers beautifully with excellent vision, Buln pushed the lead out to eight goals, 32-24.
Buln came into the last quarter confident and controlled. A few errors from Catani gave Buln opportunities to build their lead. The defensive pressure from the Lyrebirds took its toll on Catani’s attack end, while Buln’s goals continued to flow.
Best on court: Buln Buln goal shooter Melissa Burton.
C grade: Ellinbank 47 defeated Nilma Darnum 27.
Wet and slippery conditions caused a difficult start for both teams. Strong defensive pressure made goaling hard. Ellinbank adjusted quicker and found an early lead to be 8-5 at quarter time.
Ellinbank came out firing in the second, with their goalers and midcourters combining well. Nilma defenders contested many rebounds as their goalers tried to convert the turnovers. However, Ellinbank started to stretch the lead due to excellent feeding into the goal ring. At half-time, the Eagles led 22-13.
Ellinbank again started strong with intense pressure in all areas of the court. This made it difficult for Nilma to score. Nilma’s change in the defence end was a good strategic move and made Ellinbank re-think their movements. However, Ellinbank lifted and increased the lead by 12 goals.
Ellinbank were determined to hold onto their lead, scoring the first four goals of the quarter. Nilma didn’t drop their heads and fought hard but in the end the more skilled team prevailed.
Best on court: Ellinbank goal attack Jade Pratt.
D grade: Warragul Industrials 40 defeated Buln Buln 27.
Buln Buln started strong, breaking Dusties’ first centre and getting the first two goals. Dusties’ defence, feeling the pressure, stepped up to get the team back on track as they scored the next two goals. Both teams were getting consecutive goals, one after the other, as the defence ends applied enormous pressure. Dusties held a one-goal lead at quarter time, 76.
Buln again broke Dusties’ first centre and scored off it. Dusties picked up their intensity and made great use of their rebounds in the goal end. Their communication and vocal support was evident all down the court. At half-time, Dusties led 20-13.
Dusties made sure to honour their centre pass and quickly converted two goals. Buln responded with four goals in a row and summoned a mini comeback. This inspired Dusties to pick up their game and lift their defensive pressure. At the last break, Dusties strengthened their lead, 30-20.
Buln came out with a purpose and made sure to get the first goal. It wasn’t enough to promote a resurgence as Dusties comfortably turned over the ball many times through tough whole court defence. Buln never gave up but were unable to compete with Dusties’ accuracy.
Best on court: Warragul Industrials midcourter Abby Brice.
E grade: Warragul Industrials 33 defeated Ellinbank 27.
Dusties converted the first three goals of the quarter before Ellinbank could get on the board. A lot of turnovers from both teams and silly mistakes resulted in a slow start and a one sided affair in favour of Dusties. It was 10-5 at quarter time.
Dusties shooting duo came out strong, complemented by their fast moving midcourt. Ellinbank found it hard to shoot and Dusties maintained a five-goal lead for some time. Towards the end of the quarter, Ellinbank’s tenacity increased and they bridged the gap to trail 12-16.
Grand final on Saturday, venue TBC.. See Thursday’s Trader for further information.
A grade: Ellinbank 2.30pm.
B grade: Ellinbank v Buln Buln at 1.15pm.
C grade: Buln Buln v Ellinbank at 12noon.
D grade: Ellinbank Industrials at 11am.
E grade: Poowong v Warragul Industrials at 10am.
F grade: Longwarry Industrials at 9am. v Poowong v v at Warragul Warragul
Ellinbank scored a crucial goal off the first centre pass and at one stage were only a goal down. Their consistent pressure and ability to make use of turnovers, was exactly what they needed. The Dusties began to find their rhythm again in the dying minutes of the quarter. Afer an exciting third period, Dusties led 23-21.
Both teams started to feel the heat as the game really intensified. Very fast passages of play ensued, but Dusties took control. They managed to break away to a six-goal lead to which Ellinbank had no answer.
Best on court: Warragul Industrials goal attack Makaela Zeldenryk.
F grade: Warragul Industrials 16 defeated Ellinbank 13.
Dusties got off to a fierce start, causing a turnover from Ellinbank’s centre pass. Ellinbank soon had it back, resulting in a much needed goal. Ellinbank’s defence end worked together really well, getting hands to a lot of loose balls. At quarter time, Ellinbank led 3-2.
Ellinbank’s goal attack Jas Irwin continued to impress in the second, taking nice long range shots at goal. With help from the Ellinbank midcourt, the shooters got the lead out to three goals. As both teams started to warm up from the chilly conditions, the intensity increased and the ball began to flow at a faster pace down the court, resulting in a 7-4 lead to Ellinbank at half-time.
Dusties came out switched on and made good use of their centre pass. The crowd got further involved in the game, lifting Dusties’ confidence to bring the scores level at eight-all. As the quarter continued, Dusties managed to sneak a two-goal lead by the last break, 12-10.
Dusties started the last with a vital intercept and began to build a very handy lead. Dusties made the most of turnovers and controlled the remainder of the game. As time dwindled away, Ellinbank tried for a last minute surge, but were too late.
Best on court: Warragul Industrials goal defence Amy Cameron.