MALLEE Eagles ensured the log-jam in the middle of the Central Murray A grade netball ladder got that little bit tighter on Saturday.
The Eagles climbed up two places to sixth position following a hard-fought 50-45 victory over hosts Tyntynder.
The result now sees the Lalbert-based side find themselves smack bang in the centre of a bottleneck featuring teams from fourth to eighth spot, separated by just six points (one win and a draw).
Mallee Eagles committee member Virginia Allen said the win was a pivotal one at this point of the season.
“The girls did a wonderful job to get the win,” Allen said.
“The competition’s very tight this year and we knew it was always going to be a tough game with Tyntynder in the top four.
“The match was a tight contest and although the girls led all day, you are never home in A grade netball until the final whistle.”
The Eagles were well-served by the inclusion of teenage goal shooter Kyra Bennett, who formed a potent double-act with Emelia Bett.
Bennett is among a number of young, talented players who have been blooded at the top-level from an early age and are now impressing in the blue and gold.
Fellow young guns Meg Storer (wing attack) and Jemma Meehan (goal defence) had fine games, while centre Shannon Reinheimer was a busy contributor.
The defeat was an untimely one for the Bulldogs, who have now dropped back-to-back matches for the first time in 2014 and find themselves in fifth position on the ladder.
Goal defence Madeleine Jeans was named as Tyntynder’s best player, while goal shooter Kate Morrison had a fine duel with Eagle Whitney Kennedy.
The Bulldogs will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to winless Cohuna, while Mallee Eagles face Koondrook Barham at home.
