Tigers stay in the hunt
Elimination finals were played at Nyora on Sunday.
A grade: Lang Lang 50 defeated Buln Buln 33.
Lang Lang played a strong first quarter, with defensive rebounds and shooting accuracy giving them a 15-9 lead.
Buln’s defensive pressure gave them plenty of opportunities to reduce Lang Lang’s lead. However, Lang Lang fought back and, with greater accuracy at the post, increased the lead to 26-17.
There were plenty of turnovers created as both teams upped the defensive pressure. The quarter was almost level with Lang Lang leading 36-25 at three-quarter time.
Buln started strong, breaking the first centre pass. Lang Lang then broke back. Buln didn’t stop fighting but Lang Lang was simply too strong.
Best on court: Renalle Casey, Lang Lang.
B grade: Nilma Darnum 32 defeated Lang Lang 30.
Nilma Darnum dominated the first quarter, scoring the first five goals. Lang Lang’s attacking end lifted and the goals started dropping. Both teams had amazing defensive pressure. Nilma led 13-7.
The second quarter was a lot closer. Both teams stepped up a level and fought hard. Lang Lang was able to keep themselves in the game. A few silly mistakes saw Nilma lead 19-13.
Nilma really took off this quarter. Nilma’s defensive pressure created many turnovers whilst Lang Lang’s defensive end kept them in the game. Nilma remained in front 28-19.
Lang Lang played a cracking last quarter. Everybody was extremely determined, which made for a nail-biting finish. Nilma was able to hold the lead.
Best on court Hannah Williamson, Nilma Darnum.
C grade: Buln Buln 32 defeated Lang Lang 21.
Both teams had amazing defensive pressure all the way down the court, resulting in a lot of turnovers. Lang Lang was able to capitalise on these and went into the break with the biggest lead of the quarter, 9-5.
Accurate shooting and offensive rebounds saw Lang Lang extend its lead at the beginning of the quarter. Buln was able to kick into gear and claw the margin back in the final minutes of the quarter. Lang Lang led 1411.
Buln’s attacking end made it very hard for the Lang Lang defenders to have an effect and the defenders were making it just as hard, keeping Lang Lang to only two goals for the quarter. Buln led 21-16.
Buln was able to increase its lead through turnovers caused in the defensive end. Although Lang Lang never gave up, everything seemed to be falling Buln’s way.
Best on court: Bonnie Savage, Buln Buln.
D grade: Longwarry 42 defeated Neerim-Neerim South 33.
Longwarry got off to a strong start, controlling the game. Neerim came back and dominated the last half of the quarter to lead 12-9.
Both teams had strong patches of play, with Longwarry able to get themselves back into the game. Longwarry led 20-19.
The third quarter was very even with both teams working well together. Longwarry still led 30-29.
Longwarry came out very strong and completely controlled the final quarter.
Best on Longwarry.
E grade: Ellinbank 23 defeated Poowong 15.
Ellinbank scored the first goal to start the game before Poowong took the lead with a few quick intercepts. However, Ellinbank fought back to take the lead by one goal. court: Holly Stephens,
A strong defensive start by Ellinbank meant they scored the first three goals and were able to increase the lead. Poowong staged a late fightback to end the quarter.
Poowong made some crucial mistakes that Ellinbank benefitted from. As a result, Ellinbank broke out to a 10-goal lead. A late goal from Poowong ending saw the margin stand at nine goals.
Poowong had great patience and teamwork in its attacking end but Ellinbank maintained the lead and won by eight.
Best on court: Ava Ellinbank.
F grade: Buln Buln 16 defeated Yarragon 8.
The players started a little unsettled due to finals nerves. There were a few turnovers before the first goal was made by Buln. Buln took control quickly, with quick passing in and out of the ring in attack, and excellent defensive pressure. Yarragon had quite a few good intercepts but was unable to convert. Buln led 9-1.
Yarragon had a great start with three goals in a row. Buln’s midcourt pressure caused lots of turnovers but Yarragon’s defence lifted to get them back in the game. With intensity up, the game was within reach for both teams. Buln led 12-5.
Both teams felt the lifted defensive pressure with lots of long bombs into space. Buln had great drives down the court and a lot of the ball. As the rain started, both teams made a few technical errors as scoring was kept to a minimum. Buln led 13-7.
Yarragon’s teamwork started shining through in the last quarter with lots of backing up for each other. Buln made the most of its opportunities with a couple of long bomb goals. Yarragon fought hard every minute but Buln was able to finish strong.
Best on court: Charley Kay. McGarrity,