KALANGADOO 58 D GLENCOE 29
Glencoe and Kalangadoo faced off for the first time since last year’s grand final in rainy conditions for Round 9 of Mid South East netball on Saturday.
The Magpies took the first centre pass and were met by a disrupting Glencoe defence line that applied strong defensive pressure and forced Kalangadoo to throw away two consecutive passes.
However, the Murphies were unable to convert through their attack line due to errors of their own.
An early skill error from Glencoe allowed Kalangadoo to score the first three goals of the game and set up an early lead, with a 12-7 advantage at the first break.
The second quarter showed a tighter contest, with Glencoe having 14 scoring opportunities to Kalangadoo’s 16.
However, the inaccuracy of the Glencoe goalers and the strong rebounding of Lara Munro allowed Kalangadoo to extend its lead.
Ebony McDiarmid was the focal point in the Kalangadoo goal circle, using her strength and experience under the post to convert with ease.
The Glencoe defenders of Sarah Edwards and Chelsea Owen fought hard to limit the opportunities of the Magpies and win the ball back.
By the main break Kalangadoo had extended its lead to 26-14.
Both teams entered the second half unchanged.
The Magpies came out with a continued intensity which made for a rough contest through the middle of the court.
Glencoe’s Donna Jaeschke nullified the Magpies’ Jane Auld, not allowing her to have any impact on the game, but Kalangadoo was able to find plenty of space and transition the ball down court with long clearing passes to make it difficult for the Glencoe defenders to stop the ball reaching the post.
Chloe Peacock stepped up her defensive pressure and got her hands to plenty of balls.
Heading into the final break Kalangadoo led 38-22.
Kalangadoo pushed out their dominance in the final quarter against a disheartened Glencoe side.
Their defensive line continued to confuse the space and make it difficult for the Murphies to find a safe option.
McDiarmid’s accuracy was a highlight of the game, missing only one goal for the match despite the pressure applied by Glencoe’s Owen, who grew with confidence as the game went on and continued to fight for possession.
However, in the end Kalangadoo ran out 58-29 victors.
Best players for Kalangadoo were McDiarmid and Peacock, with Jaeschke and Chloe Pfitzner best for Glencoe.
