HATHERLEIGH 51 d KONGORONG 42
HATHERLEIGH proved too strong for Kongorong in Round 3 of Mid South East netball.
The Eagles came away with a nine-goal victory, but it was not easily come by.
Both teams started strongly with Hatherleigh’s Rosie Nettle putting great pressure over the ball while Kongorong’s Tilah Buckingham positioned well and held in perfect position for feeders.
It was a tough battle in the mid court with both centres evenly matched creating turnovers for both end.
Kongorong took the lead early mid quarter but with Tegan Telfer and Erin Watson fast feeding into the Hatherleigh goal circle and Demi Vanderhorst finishing off with accuracy the score levelled out to 11-all at quarter time.
Elly Redden started the quarter with strong rebounding for the Eagles and Vanderhorst working tirelessly in the circle against Kongorong goal defender Riley Buckingham.
In turn Nettle continued to apply pressure over the ball which lead to turnovers while Watson chased up loose balls.
At half time the game remained up for grabs with Hatherleigh up by a goal, 24-23.
The Eagles made changes to the attack line at break.
They seemed to pay off as Vanderhorst shot accurately and Telfer moved to goal attack to feed strongly.
Hawks’ shooter Tilah Buckingham held well but the battle between Redden and Hawks’ goal attack Evie Sealy made it hard to convert goals for the Hawks.
The Eagles’ defensive pressure turned the game and at the final break they led by three goals.
The last quarter had both teams start strongly with Kongorong’s Emily Lightbody in goal keeper applying pressure in the circle.
The Hawks capitalised and brought the score back to even in the first three minutes.
However, Hatherleigh surged and applied heavy pressure down the court to slowly edge in front.
Telfer had settled into goals, feeding Vanderhorst well and things started to flow at the end of the quarter which pushed the Eagles out to a 51-42 win.
Lara MacGregor and Redden were best on court for the victors, while Riley Buckingham and Sealey best served the Hawks.
