Port MacDonnell 59 d Kongorong 44
Port MacDonnell used its home-court advantage to good effect against Kongorong in Round 10 of Mid South East netball on Saturday.
Port MacDonnell was well rested following a loss to Glencoe last round but it was the young Kongorong side which came out strong, playing a fast game.
Tilah Buckingham used her height well and was on the receiving end of many long bombs across the court.
However, the Demons worked hard at the defensive end to gain turnovers.
Port MacDonnell’s Kirby Carrison left the court for the blood rule towards the end of the first quarter, which allowed youngster Lara Wilson to hit the court.
By the first break the Demons held a tentative three-goal advantage.
Kongorong again hit the court running in the second term and looked to gain the lead.
Kongorong’s Riley Buckingham worked hard to keep experienced goalie Toni Gilmore under control but Gilmore was shooting with impeccable accuracy.
Demons’ gun Alana Winter played on young Evie Sealey and used her height well to gain many turnovers.
Despite Kongorong’s best efforts, the Demons went to the main break up by six goals.
The Demons brought on the fresh legs of Jess Lynch after the break to replace Narelle Lewis.
Emily Lightbody worked hard to contain Lynch and limit her opportunities but the home side transitioned the ball with ease down the court.
Tilah Buckingham took on the majority of the shooting for the Hawks as Winter had Sealey under control.
Despite a big effort from Demons defender Belinda O’Dine, Tilah Buckingham’s height made it easy for her to gain possession.
At the other end, Sarah Lucas was playing a strong game and made it tough for Carrison to score.
Although Riley Buckingham’s agility allowed her to cover Gilmore down the court, the Demon was unstoppable in the ring and Port MacDonnell extended its lead to eight goals at the final break.
In the final term Tilah Buckingham struggled to score, as the Demons took advantage of any rebounding opportunities.
Winter stepped up and took many intercepts, while Williams played a consistent game, working well with Lynch to feed into the circle.
Kongorong’s Kate Wright struggled against Liza Mutch who defended well and limited opportunities for Wright to gain the ball.
Despite the best efforts of Kongorong, Port MacDonnell was simply too strong on the day and claimed a hard-fought victory.
Best players for the victors were Williams and Winter, while Riley Buckingham and Sarah Lucas were best for Kongorong.
