Hatherleigh 55 d Port MacDonnell 40
A CLOSE start to the game soon went into the hands of Hatherleigh who out-played Port MacDonnell to win by 15 goals in Round 10 of Mid South East netball.
Both sides shot with accuracy and lifted their defensive pressure to remain in the game.
The Demons shooters Kahli Rolton and Sophie Roach were making the most of opportunities, as was Hatherleigh’s Keston Green.
Megan Hein moved back to goal keeper, while Brooke Hawkins switched to goal defence in hope to limit Green’s influence on the game.
However, the Eagles’ defenders Annabel Brooks and Maddie Redman were starting to get on top and Brooks was picking off any loose ball that came her way.
Accurate shooting by Rolton and Roach kept Port MacDonnell within reach, but less opportunities to score disallowed them a chance at taking the lead.
Jess Trench picked up her pressure on the defensive wing for the Demons and forced Kelsey Bromley to work overtime for every possession.
Coming into the final stanza, the Eagles had a comfortable lead and planned on maintaining it for the last 15 minutes of play.
Hatherleigh replaced goal shooter Pippin Ellis with Emma Laucirica for the final quarter.
Brooks continued to dominate in the defensive circle for the Eagles and was well supported by Redman and Helen Hamilton.
Green and Laucirica combined well to increase Hatherleigh’s lead, while Port MacDonnell struggled to maintain its intensity.
In the end the Eagles claimed a solid 15-goal victory over the Demons.
Brooks and Green claimed best player honours for Hatherleigh, while Port MacDonnell’s Trench and Alyssa Boylan put in a solid four-quarter effort.
