Port MacDonnell 57 d Nangwarry 40
PORT MacDonnell bested a visiting Nangwarry in Round 14 of Mid South East netball.
The Saints have suffered many misfortunes this season, with two key players lost to injury.
The Demons were not without their own absences on Saturday and with three players missing, they took the opportunity to give court time to some Under 17 talents.
The game began tight with both teams fighting for all opportunities at the ball.
Port MacDonnell Under 17 Lara Wilson thrived under the guidance of experienced goalie Toni Gilmore and gained many opportunities at goal.
In the absence of playing coach Narelle Lewis, Demons’ goalies were strongly supported by Jess Lynch who showed strong leads and consistent feeding.
Nangwarry goalies Ange Pratt and Cassie Dinnison worked well together, but the defensive pressure of Port Mac’s Belinda O’Dine and Alana Winter challenged them.
Saints’ Kylie Heaver was pivotal in the attack line and fed well, despite the immense pressure from Under 17 and A Grade debutante Kate Winterfield.
The Demon were able to gain valuable turnovers in the first quarter and led by four goals at quarter time.
The second quarter saw them make the wise move of putting Gilmore back into goal shooter and bringing Wilson out to goal attack.
For Nangwarry, Carly Ploenges and Jemma Parsons were consistent and played hard, tight netball in their defensive ring.
However, with limited rebound opportunities, they struggled to find turnovers.
Meanwhile, Dinnison had her eye in and did not miss for the quarter.
Demons’ defensive combo Winter and O’Dine were tight and took any possible opportunities at the ball.
Through the middle, Saint Hayley Burner fought with Brooke Williams and the two had a good battle.
The Demons continued to build on their lead though and were in front by seven at the main break.
A few half-time changes for both sides meant each team had to adjust.
Port MacDonnell Under 17 Arriella Smith took over from Winterfield at wing defence position, while Nangwarry brought Parsons out into goal defence and put Ploenges into keeper.
The defensive pressure from the home team caused some crucial misses under the Saints’ goal, while the Demons utilised all rebounding opportunities to increase their lead.
Port Macdonell’s attack line was consistent throughout the game, but the Saints’ defensive swap did lessen the control from the hosts.
Nangwarry defenders were strongly supported by Taysha Marshall who worked to cut Lynch’s drive.
However, as the Saints started to tire, the Demons took advantage and with an 11-goal three-quarter time lead, added to their advantage in the final stanza.
Young Demon Wilson played an impressive game and she took over the shooting in the final quarter, earning herself the best player title.
Lynch and Williams fed with pinpoint accuracy, with the latter also recognised in the best players.
