Strong start sets up Eagles win
Elimination finals were held at Nyora on Sunday in glorious sunshine.
A grade: Ellinbank defeated Lang Lang 51-42
Ellinbank held a strong lead throughout the first quarter. They provided consistent pressure down the whole court to lead 13-5 at the first break.
Ellinbank continued their dominance, increasing their lead up to 10 at half-time.
Lang Lang made inroads into the margin early in the third. After a solid quarter by both sides, Lang Lang trailed by nine at the last break, 30-39.
The last was an even quarter by both sides. However, Ellinbank’s first quarter set them up for a nine-goal win.
Umpires awarded best on court to Ellinbank wing attack Taylah Wallace.
B grade: Nilma Darnum defeated Neerim South 53-45
Both teams had a nervous start, making some unforced errors whilst trying to find the pace of the game.
Nilma’s goal shooter held very well, using her height to her advantage. Nilma made the most of the turnovers, taking out the first quarter 15-9.
Nilma started the second quarter firing, whilst Neerim dropped their heads.
Neerim’s defenders were undisciplined, giving Nilma’s goalers too many extra opportunities.
Up the other end, Nilma’s goal keeper had hands on everything. At halftime, Nilma led 29-21.
Heading into the third, Neerim made defensive changes. Their goal keeper came out of the ring and picked off passes before they made it into the circle.
Neerim seemed more settled and didn’t force the ball into the goalers. As a result, they won the quarter to trail 36-41.
Neerim started the fourth well, closing the gap to third goals. However, Nilma proved too strong, winning 5345.
Umpires awarded best on court to Nilma Darnum goal keeper Ondine Olsson.
C grade: Neerim South defeated Buln Buln 39-31
There were lots of options and drives down the court from both teams. At quarter time, scores were level, 9-9.
Buln controlled the start of the second quarter but Neerim came back in the last five minutes to halve the margin. At half-time, Buln led 20-17.
Both teams fought hard in the third quarter, with strong defence all over the court. At the last break, scores were tied again, 25-25. The heat was high, and would surely test all players in the last.
Neerim came out firing, gaining lots of tips and taps whilst backing each other up. Buln fought hard right until the end but Neerim won by eight.
Umpires awarded best on court to Neerim South defender Nicole Friar.
Under 17s: Catani defeated Lang Lang 31-24
It was a nervous start from both sides to this game. With excellent defensive pressure all over the court and some great match ups, it was set to be a close game. At the first break, the score was 7-7.
Catani were able to break away by three in the second quarter by converting on their turnovers. The Catani goalers were connecting well.
The third was another tough quarter, with both teams fighting hard. However, Catani were able to extend their lead and head into the last quarter with a six-goal lead.
In the last, Lang Lang put up a good fight but Catani came out firing to win by seven goals.
It was a great game, with plenty of good plays from both sides.
Umpires awarded best on court to Catani centre Hayley Barker.
Under 15s: Ellinbank defeated Yarragon 31-23
Clear and precise movement down the court from Ellinbank and a shaky start from Yarragon saw Ellinbank opened a six-goal margin by the end of the first quarter.
It was a tight second quarter. Yarragon kept the game in reach by keeping Ellinbank to a 6-5 quarter. Both ends showcased talent, especially down both attacking ends.
Yarragon staged a comeback in the third, making it a three-goal difference and anyone’s game going into the final quarter.
A calm and composed final quarter from Ellinbank saw them break away to an eight-goal win, giving them a place in the semi final.
Umpires awarded best on court to Ellinbank goaler Reagan Joyce.
Under 13s: Yarragon defeated Lang Lang 33-23
It was a close first quarter with accurate goaling and composed play giving Yarragon a narrow one-goal lead at quarter time.
Yarragon continued to play a composed and structured game, whereas Lang Lang’s errors under pressure saw them down by five at half-time.
Lang Lang came within two goals in the third. However, despite their best efforts, Yarragon held a five-goal lead at the last break.
The last quarter was a hard battle. Too many forced errors from Lang Lang saw Yarragon’s continued composed play hand them a ticket to the semi final.
Umpires awarded best on court to Yarragon defender Charlotte Kemp.