Phys Ed A puts Magpies to flight
DEFENDING Premier A champions Southern Magpies were outclassed by a clinical Phys Ed A team in club netball’s preseason finals on Tuesday night, going down 3624.
It took a couple of minutes for both teams’ combinations to gel but it was Phys Ed that pulled away first, leading 138 midway through the first 15minute half.
Phys Ed centre Kate Heffernan led the charge in the middle, seemingly effortlessly feeding her sister Georgia Heffernan at goal shoot.
Georgia held beautiful space for herself under the post, but showed her versatility by coming out of the circle.
Southern goal keep Tarryn Dickson applied the pressure, picking up a couple of intercepts, but the dominance of Heffernan could not be stopped.
Despite Southern’s goal shoot Jennifer O’Connell holding well under the hoop, defensive pressure from Phys Ed made it hard for feeder Zoey Flockton to find her.
Phys Ed went into the break with a comfortable lead of
2111.
The inclusion of Sophie Erwood at centre for Southern in the second half provided some urgency through the middle of the court, with accurate feeds to O’Connell.
But it was not enough to stop the machine that was Phys Ed.
It put its foot on the throttle in the second spell, keeping the 10goal buffer throughout.
A clinical performance, led by its use of ball speed and holding on to possession, meant Phys Ed cruised over the line.
Earlier in the night, South Pacific Titans A comfortably beat Southern B 2818 to take fifth place in the tournament, showing themselves as real contenders this year.
In a tightly fought battle, St Hilda’s Collegiate School A drew with Phys Ed Blue 2727.
St Hilda’s lost to Southern 8438 in last year’s final and looked to be on track to push for the top position again this year.
UniversityAlbion comfortably beat Markhams College A 3015 to grab third spot in the tournament.
UniversityAlbion held on to its lead of 15 throughout the match after leading 205 at halftime.
The Premier A and Premier men’s netball competitions both start on Saturday.