KONGORONG 19 lt PORT MACDONNELL 37
THE first quarter of the last Mid South East Netball Association round clash between the Demons and Hawks saw both sides go hard at the ball.
Demons’ goal defence Morgan Amy was on from the second the first whistle blew, working hard over the shot and driving the ball down the court to add a real sense of pressure early in the game.
The Demons settled much earlier than the young Hawks with the attack line of Port MacDonnell converting well, giving it the lead heading into the first break.
The second quarter saw the wind pick up even more than before, causing issues for both teams across the court.
Michelle Moore took the reins for the Demons, running hard through the middle and adding speed back into a game slowed by the conditions.
For the Hawks it was Zara Von Stanke off the line in wing attack working the ball down the court to give her goalies as much chance as possible to keep in the game.
The Demons remained in the lead at half time.
The Hawks went into the third quarter with work to do and with some key changes across the court they lifted.
Riley Buckingham put on the goal defence bib, lifting her team’s drive out of defence, backed by Emily Lightbody in the circle, Georgia Bald on the defensive wing and the young Kate Wright entering the game into centre.
The Hawks were able to cause pressure defensively and gave their team the boost it needed heading into the second half.
Unfortunately for Kongorong the combination of the unideal conditions and the relentless work from Port MacDonnell’s backline led by Amy meant the Hawks couldn’t convert and the Demons kept the lead with one quarter remaining.
Both teams continued to fight hard defensively up either end with both Buckingham and Amy leading their teams from the backline.
Moore and Wright were both working overtime for their sides in a thrilling contest down the court but it was the Demons that could get it done in the windy conditions and picked up one last win for the 2021 season.
GLENCOE 36 lt KALANGADOO 58
THERE was a lot on the line for Glencoe coming into the last round for the season.
The Murphies needed the win against a polished Kalangadoo side to stay in its top four position.
A missed first goal by Glencoe meant Kalangadoo got the early lead.
Emily Thompson and Sarah Edwards had a great first quarter with some great intercepts and strong rebounds, giving Glencoe as many opportunities to score as possible.
Kalangadoo’s defensive pressure from Mikaila Pitt and Chelsea Croser made it hard for Caitlin Hentschke and Laura Edwards to find space.
Kalangadoo’s Chelsea Croser came off injured, meaning Chloe Pratt was put back into goalkeeper.
Pratt tried to use her body to put Hentschke out of position but with some patience and lovely passing from Ashlea Edwards and Donna Jaeschke, Glencoe was able to get the ball
under the ring.
Some inaccurate shooting from Glencoe allowed Kalangadoo to grow its lead, 29-14.
After the break, Kalangadoo brought on junior Kori Collins to wing defence and Jane Auld went to wing attack, while Glencoe remained unchanged.
Jayde Peacock and Donna Jeaschke had a good tussle through the middle and both used their body well around the circle to create space.
Melissa Russell was the focal point in Kalangadoo’s goals, scoring 11 for the quarter.
Kalangadoo’s transition from defence to attack was quick and streamlined, making it hard for the Glencoe defenders.
The last quarter was a bit more of an even affair.
Glencoe continued to give it their all, knowing it may be the last time they hit the court for 2021.
Rebecca Edwards applied great pressure to Jane Auld casing her to fumble the ball and Glencoe was able to string together some consecutive goals.
Kalangadoo came away with the two points with a 22 goal win.
ROBE 32 lt MOUNT BURR 44
WITH Mount Burr fighting for a finals place and Robe having nothing to lose, both teams were after a win.
Mount Burr came out strong with lots of pressure all over the court.
Heidi Clark picked off lots of loose balls, making it hard for Robe to get the ball down the court.
Mount Burr were in the lead by six at quarter time.
Robe came out firing in the second quarter, with a few quick turnovers from its defenders Georgia Perkins and Kimberley Austin.
This saw Robe capitalise on the turnovers and got the margin back to one goal during the quarter, however Mount Burr stepped up its defence and increased its lead by the end of the quarter to seven at half time.
With both teams not making any changes, the third quarter was more even with some accurate shooting from both teams goalies, which saw Mount Burr increase its lead by two at three quarter time.
The final quarter saw Mount Burr finishing off strong, with continuous pressure in the goal ring from Heidi Clark and Madi Haggett, chasing up loose balls and fighting for the win.
Mount Burr came away with the 12 goal win.
HATHERLEIGH 69 d TANTANOOLA 57
WITH third and fourth position still up for grabs Tantanoola looked to take the take points to secure its finals hopes.
Both sides went goal for goal in the first quarter, which saw Tantanoola take a one-goal lead going into the first break, 12-13.
Tegan Merrett and Sarah Faulkner provided the Eagles with lots pace and control through the mid court, but it was clear it was a goalies game with Keston Green and Emma Gould being the focal points for their respective sides.
It was goal for goal in the second term with neither side giving an inch as both sides jumped on any loose balls to help their side convert.
There were tough head to head battles all over the court, with the biggest being between Lara McGregor and Casey Walker.
Strong defensive pressure by Hatherleigh made the Tigers work hard for every position.
Casey Walker showed her athleticism and speed, which allowed her to find plenty of space on the circle’s edge.
The Tigers showed patience in attack working the ball around until they found Emma Gould under the post.
The Tigers held a 29-28 halftime lead, triggering changes from the home side with Maddie Pulmer taking the goal defence bib and sending Maddie Redman back to goal keeper, with Tantanoola remaining unchanged.
The third quarter was dominated by the Eagles with Lacey Haines and Keston Green showing their dominance in goal circle.
A calf scare sent Sarah Faulkner to the bench with Lara MacGregor stepping in to run the middle with Chelsea Galpin filling wing defence.
Just five goals the difference going into the last quarter, which saw more changes for the home side with Maddie Pulmer going back to goal keeper and Maddie Redman running at goal defence with Tantanoola still remaining unchanged.
The Tigers made a quick comeback in the last quarter as Jami Walker continued to work hard to create plenty of scoring opportunities but Hatherleigh stepped up and took control of the game which saw them take the win 69-57.
