HATHERLEIGH 40 D/W PORT MACDONNELL 40
Hatherleigh hosted Port MacDonnell in Round 9 of Mid South East netball and the MND Big Freeze, which was an apt description of the weather conditions confronting players.
In wet and windy conditions to start play, the ball was turned over for both teams up and down the court, with goals kept to a minimum.
A few forced errors from Hatherleigh’s attack line feeling the pressure from the Demons’ defence, especially Alysha Coon and Alana Berkefeld, gave Port MacDonnell a few opportunities and they headed to the first break with a tentative two-goal lead.
Players welcomed a short period of sunshine and the Demons hit their groove in the second quarter.
Accurate shooting from Kori Collins capitalised on the strong defensive work of Coon and Berkefeld, making goals hard to come by for Hatherleigh.
Erin Watson and Lara MacGregor worked hard for Hatherleigh to create turnovers, but at the main break Port MacDonnell held a handy seven-goal lead.
MacGregor, Watson and Lucy Corman continued to make their presence felt in the third term, while Maddie Redman worked tirelessly to slow the Demons attack down.
It was a strong tussle in the mid-court between Rosie Nettle and Kate Faint, with both players putting their bodies on the line.
Demons Megan Hein and Kori Colin’ converted every opportunity they had, but were limited by the strong defensive pressure applied by all Hatherleigh players down the court.
At the third quarter break Hatherleigh had clawed their way back to be down by just two goals.
Changes were made by both sides for the final quarter, but Hatherleigh’s change saw Abby Wight into goal shooter, with an immediate impact that saw Hatherleigh take the lead for the first time.
However Port MacDonnell adjusted, increased their work rate and the game soon became goal-for-goal.
A nail-biting last quarter for supporters resulted in a draw.
Best players for Hatherleigh were Watson and MacGregor, with Faint and Coon best for Port MacDonnell.
