Robe 49 d Hatherleigh 46
The Mid South East netball match of the round saw Robe claim the points over Hatherleigh in a nail-biting finish.
The Round 12 clash at Hatherleigh did not disappoint and the game started with both teams going goal for goal.
The intensity was high and focus on heavy defensive pressure, which resulted in turnovers that both the Eagles and Roosters were able to capitalise on.
Hatherleigh seemed to settle first and opened a five-goal advantage.
Robe worked hard to peg back the score line and was able to do that, then went to the first break one goal up.
Robe’s Halle Cater and Sarah Laurie had a huge quarter with both shooting at 100 per cent.
There were key match ups all down the court, which saw every ball tightly contested under plenty of pressure.
The home side welcomed back Maddie Pulmer who has a great connection with Abby Wight which saw the Eagles level up and go to the main break even 25-25.
The third term saw more movement from Hatherleigh, with Chelsea Galpin to the bench and Georgia Hunter back into the game at wing defence.
Robe remained unchanged.
Both ends were well supported by their mid-courts who were able to hit the circle edge easily and provide their goalies with some accurate feeding.
The key matchup between Lara MacGregor and Halle Carter was worth the price of admission, as neither player was willing to give up a pass or rebound.
Robe’s circle defence was able to gain turnovers through Emma Grant and Taylor Hunt which helped their side take the lead by three goals at the final break.
The home side once again made changes, bringing Demi Vanderhorst into goal attack, Galpin back into goal keeper and Maddie Pulmer to the bench.
Galpin and MacGregor worked tirelessly to create opportunities for their side and when they did, they were able to convert quickly through Wight and Vanderhorst.
Robe continued to push and step up the pressure as they just held their noses in front.
Lucy Perkins provided her side with a great four-quarter consistent performance using her speed and working tirelessly to support her goalies.
Both sides continued to fight but small errors from the home side were quickly capitalised on by Robe as they held on to take the match by three goals.
Best players for Robe were Emma Grant and Sarah Laurie, with MacGregor and Galpin best for Hatherleigh.
