Eagles back on track

Hatherleigh's Abbey Wight looks to score during the Eagles' win over Nangwarry on Saturday. Picture: LACHLAN ONIONS

Hatherleigh 63 d Nangwarry 32

After going down to a tough Mount Burr roster last week, Hatherleigh bounced back in style against Nangwarry in Round 11 of Mid South East netball.

The Eagles came out firing at the Nangwarry venue, turning over the first two centre passes.

Erin Watson and Tegan Telfer worked the ball with ease into their goalies who were able to capitalise on the opportunities.

The Saints began to find their feet and with an intercept from Shannon Higgins, then great movement from Kylie Heaver and Tahlia Wilson, they were able to get on the board.

Hatherleigh defenders Demi Vanderhorst and Lara MacGregor worked tirelessly to apply pressure to Nangwarry’s goalies, while accurate shooting from Maddie Redman and Abby Wight saw Hatherleigh go to the first break with a six-goal lead.

Unfortunately for the Saints Ange Pratt left the court, replaced by Cassie Dinnison in the goal circle.

Hatherleigh once again hit the court running, as Georgia Hunter applied plenty of pressure and made it tough for the Saints to bring the ball down the court.

Dinnison created some space for Nangwarry and worked well with Wilson to convert any opportunities but Hatherleigh’s defensive pressure down the court was too strong.

Watson and Telfer continued to work hard to create space and pass into their goalies perfectly, while Higgins and Carly Ploenges worked tirelessly in an attempt to stop Redman and Wight but they once again shot with high accuracy.

Hatherleigh increased the lead and went into half time with a 14-goal lead.

The third term was a bit more even, as Nangwarry started strong with an intercept from Ebony Lawson, which allowed the goalies to capitalise.

Hayley Burner and Watson provided an entertaining clash in the middle, both bringing the ball down the court well.

Higgins and Ploenges continued to work hard in defence, while both teams’ goalies remained accurate.

Hatherleigh extended the lead slightly, then stepped it up a notch in the final term.

An intercept from Hunter off the first centre pass saw the Eagles deliver the ball into their goalies with ease.

The pressure began to show as Nangwarry made a few errors, which Hatherleigh was able to capitalise on.

The Saints continued to run out the game but Hatherleigh proved too strong for the home side with a 31-goal victory.

Best players for Hatherleigh were Redman and Hunter, while Wilson and Lawson were best for the hosts.