TYNTYNDER produced a stirring second-half fightback to defeat Nyah Nyah West United and return to third place on the Central Murray A grade netball ladder.
In conditions better suited to Eskimos than netballers, the Bulldogs came back from a one-goal deficit at half-time to down a determined Demons outfit 25-17.
Tyntynder coach Emma Smith was pleased to come away with the four points from a match that will not go down as one of the classics.
“The game was not a pretty one considering the weather was cold, wet and windy, but we’ll definitely take the win,” Smith said.
“We have a big couple of weeks coming up with games against Swan Hill and Woorinen, so it was very important we took the four points.”
The Demons, who have featured in their fair share of close contests in season 2014, were on track to feature in another thriller when they led by one goal at the main break.
But Smith’s decision to make a range of positional changes including the move of Grace Templeton from centre to goal attack and Meg Dridan’s introduction at goal keeper proved decisive as Tyntynder skipped out to a four-goal lead at three-quarter time.
“We needed some stronger hands in attack because it was a real day for defenders,” Smith said.
“We kept possession much better and gained the upper hand in the third-quarter.”
Goal defence Madeleine Jeans was a standout for the Bulldogs, while goal shooter Kate Morrison top-scored with 16 goals.
The loss leaves the Demons in seventh place, one win and a draw from fifth-placed Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Danielle Pretty (goal defence) earned the nod as NNW United’s best player, while Larraine Ralph (nine goals) was her side’s the leading scorer.
