A GRADE – PENOLA 63 d BORDERTOWN 39
PENOLA A Grade netballers kept their chances of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara premiership glory alive, with a 24-goal win over Bordertown on Sunday at Padthaway.
The Eagles showed their strength at both ends of the court in the do-or-die semi-final clash, with solid defensive pressure followed up by accurate shooting from April Possingham and Sarah Lock.
While it was a positive result, it was not all plain sailing, with Bordertown keeping the pressure on.
However, the Eagles set up the victory from the opening whistle, with a solid first term creating a five-goal lead at the first break.
The pressure continued after the break, with the game running goal for goal until the defensive efforts of the Eagles paid dividends.
Brooke Klemm combined well with Alana Winter and Gorgia Robbie to ensure any missed shots were sent back down the court.
Coach Kaitlin Egan controlled the attacking wing, working hard with Sally Skeer in centre to ensure swift movement and accurate delivery to the goal circle.
Emily Winter joined the defence at half time and had an immediate impact.
By the final break Penola was in control and pushed on from there.
Egan made several changes, with Emily Winter moving to goal keeper and Robbie returned to wing defence.
In the end it was an impressive result, which Egan said should provide some confidence for the side in the upcoming preliminary final against Lucindale this week.
“I was very happy with the result,” she said.
“We had a similar contest last time where we won by over 30, so I was hoping we would get a win like that.
“I had it in the back of my mind that was our target and I was really happy for us to come out and play four quarters of solid netball.”
Egan said she was pleased with the defensive efforts of Klemm, Alana Winter and Robbie, but also made mention of Emily Winter’s work after half time.
“Emily Winter came on at half time and went to goal keeper for the final quarter,” she said.
“In a half of netball she would have got eight turnovers, so she was really good defensively.”
Egan also made special mention of Possingham who had recently suffered a wrist injury, but it did not appear to thwart her game.
“April hurt her wrist a few weeks ago and she shot 40 from 44 which was really good,” Egan said.
“Sarah shot 23 from 31 – she has quick hands in the circle and front cuts hard, draws the player and allows good space for April.”
Egan said she was also pleased to work well with Skeer after only joining the Eagles at the start of 2019.
Overall Egan said she was pleased to have a confidence-boosting win leading up to the preliminary final.
Penola has won one and lost one against Lucindale in the minor rounds, which all suggests another blockbuster clash this weekend.
“Lucindale finished top and got knocked off by Keith on Saturday,” she said.
“Last time we played them we lost by five goals, but I think now we are through it is anyone’s game.”
Egan said the first final this season saw her players with some nerves, but now with a victory under their belts she hoped for a more settled approach to the preliminary final.
“It was good to have a solid win and get some confidence,” she said.
“I think in the first final against Keith everyone was a little bit nervous and thought about it too much.
“They were more relaxed on the weekend, so hopefully they can be the same this weekend and go really hard.”
