HATHERLEIGH 46 d MOUNT BURR 38
High standard Mid South East netball was on display at Hatherleigh on Saturday, as the Eagles claimed a hard-fought win ovwer Mount Burr.
The first quarter went goal-for-goal, with both teams accurate under the post to set the scene.
Hatherleigh’s circle defence of Elly Redden and Maddie Redman were kept busy with some slick passing from Mount Burr’s Ella Easterby and Laura Schultz.
At the other end, Mount Burr’s tall defenders Megan Thiele and Olivia Dean picked off several high passes to allow the Mozzies to take a three-goal advantage to the first break.
The second quarter saw the home side lift, with Hatherleigh’s goalies Maddie Pulmer and Demi Vanderhorst working efficiently in the circle against quality opposition.
Erin Watson was embroiled in a physical tussle with Schultz in the centre, while wing attack Rosie Nettle fed Pulmer and Vanderhorst with precision from the circle edge.
Hatherleigh took a two-goal lead into the main break.
Mount Burr made one change at the break to bring on fresh legs in Caitlyn Payne to wing defence against Nettle.
Hatherleigh created lots of opportunities, but with fatigue causing some inaccuracy under the post, the hard work in defence was often wasted with sloppy passes in transition.
To the Mozzies’ credit, they kept the scoreboard pressure on, with Lauren Wheeler working hard to convert for the Mozzies.
However, Hatherleigh maintained a two-goal lead at the last change.
The contest remained tight early in the final quarter, with Easterby and Schultz working tirelessly in the mid-court for Mount Burr.
Hatherleigh’s defensive unit, with Lara MacGregor doing the hard work out front, saw the Eagles settle late in the game and take control, running out 46-38 winners.
Best players for Hatherleigh were Pulmer and MacGregor, with Thiele and Easterby best for Mount Burr.
