A DEAD-EYE shooting performance from the Golden Rivers Netball League clinched a strong win against the Kyabram District league in Saturday’s open interleague clash.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Kyabram District was unable to replicate its flurry of goals and stingy defence from the opening term, conceding 42 goals after quarter-time as Golden Rivers clinched a 50-33 win at Central Park.
On the new courts at Shepparton East, the away side — having been four goals down at quarter-time — fired on all cylinders, with its suffocating defence and sharp shooting paving the way for victory.
Louise Richards was a standout in defence for Kyabram District, with the Merrigum coach using her wealth of experience in helping create plenty of turnovers.
Kyabram District co-coach Jen Smith spoke glowingly of Richards’ game, as well as Undera’s Amy Reid and Tallygaroopna’s Lisa Crosier, who battled hard in the midcourt.
‘‘Both our bookends were exceptional, Louise and Amy’s on-court leadership was wonderful and they both played really hard, as well as Lisa in the midcourt,’’ Smith said.
‘‘All three are mature netball players and they all kept going and never gave up.
‘‘Louise played outstanding in goals, her turnovers were huge, but it was hard to beat their superb shooting accuracy.
‘‘And Claudia Callgher put in a great effort at wing attack, she was able to get some turnovers and provided a high work-rate.’’
Murchison-Toolamba’s Kelsy McDonald left the court in the second term due to injury, impacting the chemistry that had formed between her and Richards in the defensive circle.
‘‘I thought losing Kelsy early in the game impacted us a fair bit, her and Louise were starting to jell as a pair — which is important for circle pairs to have,’’ Smith said.
‘‘It probably threw us off, but they (Golden Rivers) seriously stepped it up a notch in the second term and we chased after that.
‘‘We struggled to get the ball into our attacking third, we broke down and I thought they crowded and defended really well across the midcourt and we threw the ball into their hands a few too many times.
‘‘But there were some great performances out there, a group of really fantastic girls and having never played together I thought they did a great job.’’
■Kyabram District’s 17-and-under netballers fell short of victory in a stunning double overtime game against Golden Rivers.
The away side pinched a 34-36 win.
The game ebbed and flowed in favour of either side, with the first quarter going Kyabram District’s way, until Golden Rivers wrestled control in the second to enter the main break with a one-goal lead.
Both sides netted 11 goals in the third quarter, but the one-goal advantage to Golden Rivers was cut down in the final term, as the end score demanded extra time.
Kyabram District’s Maya Roudis was a star in goal attack and was named best on court, while defender Breanna Baker and midcourter Jorja Tranter provided solid contributions.