A review of the Greensborough 1 vs West Preston-Lakeside 1 and Northcote Park 1 v North Heidelberg 1 netball matches from Round 16.
Section 1 Round 16 – Greensborough 1 vs West Preston-Lakeside 1
Greensborough maintained third position on the Section 1 ladder after scoring a solid win against West Preston-Lakeside in Round 16.
The Boro girls brought home an eight-goal win as they clutched onto an early advantage and stayed ahead for the remainder of the match.
Setting a fast and frantic pace both Lakeside and Greensborough sat tied at 3-all to open the game. Both teams’ were at time sloppy with their passes early in the match, with the ball not hitting targets as they tried to clear it forward at quick speed.
Ending the quarter three goals behind, Lakeside started the second term staying right on their opponent’s toes.
A highlight was GK Emma Farrant jumping up for a strong rebound and in a couple of passes the ball found its way into the hands of Lakeside’s GA Stacey Jeffery.
With the scores tied at 14-all, Boro’s defence strengthened, forcing a held ball and then feeding the play down the court to their GA Madison Carroll, who was free in the circle. After she converted, Lakeside’s GS Jane Scheetz came right back with a goal.
WD Adele Cosma sat on the edge of the circle ready for the ball as it came out of the shooter’s hands. She regularly pushed play forward down to her team’s scoring end.
Greensborough had a slow start to the third quarter as Lakeside scored the first goal. Despite still holding the lead, the Boro struggled to score on their possession. Lakeside took advantage of a number of turnovers to score.
Boro defenders Sarah Collard and Eilish Flagg soon began dominating their defensive circle. The girls seized every rebound, caused held balls and chased down play to keep their side at a distance from Lakeside.
The final quarter began with Lakeside scoring the first goal, reducing their deficit to four goals and giving them the opportunity to make a comeback.
However Greensborough was able to maintain control of the contest during the last quarter, stretching their advantage to run away with an eight-goal win.
The result keeps the Boro one win inside the top-four a fortnight out from the finals series.
Final score: Greensborough 1 (48) def Lakeside 1 (40)
Section 1 Round 16 – Northcote Park 1 vs North Heidelberg 1
A dominant first half set up North Heidelberg for a solid win over Northcote Park in Round 16 of Section 1.
The second-placed side opened a 20-goal lead in the opening half and weren’t truly troubled thereafter in the 11-goal victory.
Starting off on the back foot, Northcote Park struggled to give their shooters chances at scoring. When they were fed the ball, GA Belinda Coward and GS Dani Howe made great use of their shots.
North Heidelberg dominated on the rebounds when shots were missed, with defenders Lauren Byrnes and Tessa Willett timing their jumps perfectly to create turnovers.
Bulldogs shooters Chloe Meulenmeesters and Casey Barnes were settled under their attacking ring and helped set up a big lead for their side.
Leading 17-8 after the first quarter, North Heidelberg had the first centre pass in the second term and were quickly able to stretch their advantage further.
Northcote Park made simple errors that gave North Heidelberg more chances at goal. When the Cougars got the ball forward their shooters were forced to take shots far out at the edge the circle.
An offside call against Northcote Park in North Heidelberg’s circle gave the Bulldogs a set shot for goal. The Bulldogs were deadly in the shooting circle and converted goals from every turnover they made.
Northcote Park fought to stay in the game but North Heidelberg was regularly able to find space to free players in pockets around the court, driving the ball forward.
Trailing 34-14, Northcote Park was able to still demonstrate great moments of play. They soon closed the gap to 15 goals, with the scoreboard reading 36-21.
The comeback continued into the final quarter, with a difference at once stage reduced to 10 goals.
But North Heidelberg again rallied and further secured their lead. North Heidelberg’s defensive pressure kept the ball moving forward and Northcote Park started to tire and make mistakes.
Northcote Park kept fighting into the dying minutes they try to lessen the final margin as much as possible, but the damage was done early as North Heidelberg held strong for a 54-43 win.
Final score: North Heidelberg (54) def Northcote Park (43)
