Tantanoola 53 d Robe 51
A CLOSE contest unfolded at Tatanoola, as the Tigers hosted Robe in a rematch of last year’s second semi-final for Round 1 of Mid South East netball on Saturday.
The home side claimed the points, but were pushed to the limit by the re-vamped Roosters outfit.
Robe scored from the first centre pass with an easy goal, then a fumble in the Roosters’ goal circle, followed up with a defensive rebound from the Tigers gave them a small lead early.
This was short lived as Robe strong defensive pressure through Alannah Jennings, Emilee Gould and Sophie Bates was then able to create some opportunities which where capitalised on.
Robe started the second quarter strong, scoring the first few goals and gaining a small buffer.
Bates used her speed to create turnovers, while Jennings picked off any wayward passes going into the goal circle.
It was a strong shooting display of 11 from 11 by Roosters’ captain Demi Carter to help her side push out the lead.
A change was made for Tantanoola, with Bella Poulish and Kate Bromley swapping positions in the goal circle to reset.
Tantanoola settled through the experience of Jami Walker and a strong presence in the circle of Emma Gould.
The third quarter saw the new look combination of Poulish and Bromley gain confidence and create many of turnovers to provide their side with more scoring opportunities and reduce the seven-goal margin.
In her 150th game, Casey Walker had a strong contest with Annie Regnier through the centre, while youngster Molly Cushion in her first senior A Grade game did not look out of place.
Start of the last quarter saw the score line an even 39 apiece, with all players working at high intensity for their respective team.
With accurate shooting by the Walker and Gould combination, Tantanoola was able to get over the line by two goals in a high quality contest.
