MOUNT BURR 43 D PORT MACDONNELL 34
IN wet and rainy conditions, Port MacDonnell hosted Mount Burr in Round 13 of Mid South East netball, with the visitors claiming the honours in a hard-fought contest.
The last-time the teams met it was the Demons who were easy victors, but the Mozzies have bolstered their defence with the inclusion of Maddi Haggett, while Port MacDonnell missed the experience of Michelle Moore.
The first quarter saw Mount Burr come out firing, with two goals on the board before the Demons scored.
Ebony Clark started well for the Mozzies at goal shooter, well supported by Laura Schultz and Ella Easterby.
Schultz went off toward the end of the first quarter under the blood rule, moving Easterby into centre and leaving the wing attack vacant.
However, the Demons did not use the opportunity to score and Mount Burr headed to the first break with an 11-7 lead.
The second quarter was an even affair, with Clark still dominating in the goal circle, while the defensive efforts of Demons’ captain Alana Berkefeld creating turnovers for her team, which goalies Megan Hein and Kori Collins capitalised on.
The Demons’ centre Liza Mutch played a strong first half, driving well and supported by wing attack Shannon Scheidl.
However, the Mozzies defence of Olivia Dean and Haggett were tough and physical netball, rebounding any missed shots to help their side to a four-goal lead at the main break.
Port MacDonnell made no changes at half time, while Mount Burr put Schultz back to centre and Easterby back to wing attack, which had an immediate impact.
Schultz’s drive and experience helped her team to build on its lead.
Clark and Ashlee Dean shot accurately for the Mozzies, leaving few rebounding opportunities for Berkefeld and Alysha Coon.
Mount Burr’s defensive pressure all over the court started forcing some errors and frustrations for the Demons, which saw the Mozzies increase their lead to nine at the final break.
The final quarter was again even, but Mount Burr had done enough in the third quarter to force the Demons to play catch up netball.
In the end the Mozzies prevailed by nine goals in an entertaining contest.
Best players for the victors were Ashlee Dean and Olivia Dean, with Mutch and Berkefeld best for the Demons.
