A GRADE – PENOLA 81 d MUNDULLA 39
A STRONG first quarter set up a big win for Penola over Mundulla in round 17 of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association season on Saturday.
Alana Winter and Brooke Klemm were all over the opposition goalies and created plenty of opportunities for the Eagles to attack.
Georgia Winter was outstanding under the ring with 58 goals, which helped Penola to a 81-39 victory in terrible conditions.
Once again coach Kaitlin Egan was at her best, using her speed to hit the circle’s edge and delivering the ball accurately into Penola’s goalies.
However, it was Georgia and Alana Winter who racked up the best player awards.
The Eagles now gear up for their final minor round game against Border Districts.
The Magpies sit at the bottom of the A Grade ladder.
However, Penola will not take the match lightly as it is its final chance to iron out any wrinkles before the business end of the season.
The Eagles have lost just two games – to Keith and Lucindale – throughout the 2019 season and are well and truly in the title hunt.
Currently sitting in second – behind reigning premier Lucindale – the Eagles are likely to come up against Keith in the qualifying final on August 24.
A RESERVE – PENOLA 54 d MUNDULLA 45
PENOLA edged out third-placed Mundulla in a tough contest.
The Tigers fielded an under-strength side and returned as an improved outfit, which kept fans guessing.
Chloe Long had her work cut out in defence against a tall goal shooter, but rose to the challenge.
The Eagles fought hard and went into quarter time four-goals up.
Penola continued to lead throughout the following two quarters, but unforced errors from both sides were frequent in the cold and wet conditions.
The Eagles battled through some downpours and pulled away with a nine-goal win.
Indi Venables earned the best-player award for a consistent game where she provided good drive and patient passes to the goalies.
Long’s defensive effort saw her earn the second best honour.
B GRADE – PENOLA 56 d MUNDULLA 35
THE winter conditions had set in by the time Penola and Mundulla faced off in B Grade.
A steady start from both sides saw the Eagles hold a three-goal lead at the opening break.
Penola shifted a gear in the second quarter and created some great plays and intercepts.
Swift movement up and down the court saw the Eagles enjoy a comfortable 24-goal advantage by the latter stages of the third term.
The Tigers hit back in the last quarter, but could not prevent a 21-goal Penola victory.
Mandy Gartner was awarded best player for her tight defensive pressure and Annabel Hayes’ strength and positioning in the goal circle was notable.
C GRADE – PENOLA 42 d MUNDULLA 26
PENOLA defied the winter conditions and raced out of the blocks with purpose in its C Grade clash with Mundulla.
The Eagles’ positive approach saw an eight-goal lead eventuate at quarter time, which became valuable as the rain poured down heavily and scrappy netball was the result.
But it did not deter Penola’s focus and determination as the visitors continued to build its advantage at every break.
In a full team effort, the Eagles won by 16 goals.
Laura Price was best player for her work rate and accuracy around the goals, while Jess McIntyre received a mention for her versatility and clever intercepts in defence.
