TOOLEYBUC Manangatang has come out on top in a bid to hold on to third position, taking out a win against Nyah Nyah West United on Saturday.
In a tight game that saw a difference of just 10 points at the final whistle, the Saints and Demons battled through each of the four quarters, remaining evenly matched on the scoreboard right up to half time.
Heading back out on to the court for the third quarter full of fight, with just two points the difference, the Saints’ defensive might proved to be too much for the Demons, with them adding just seven points in the goals at the third quarter whistle.
Meanwhile the home side was beginning to stretch its lead, and were up by five when the teams headed back out on to the court for a final closely matched quarter.
But despite putting up a strong fight throughout the game, by the fourth Nyah Nyah West just couldn’t quite find the fight push the ball to the goal circle, with Tooleybuc Manangatang coming out on top in a final score of 47 to 37.
Saints coach Julie Wardle said mid-court pressure had been consistent throughout the game, with her team taking the upper hand as players tired towards the end of the game.
“We just kept persisting, it was one of those games where we were hoping our fitness would get us through a bit and our accuracy — even though it was goal for goal throughout the game,” Wardle said.
“We were also working hard to apply pressure at both ends.”
With the inclusion of talented shooter Claudia Powell in the Demons’ line-up — who now plays in the Bendigo league, but was back in the Mallee on the weekend due to a bye — Wardle said the team knew they would have to put their best game forward to shut down the Demons’ fire-power.
“She played all year in defence for us [last year] and played goal shooter yesterday,” she said.
“We knew she would be quite strong in there and has got the height as well.
“It was good because it made us have to work that little bit harder.” Consistent efforts from Saints wing defence Amy Zanker saw her named best player.
“She did well in her consistent pressure on their wing attack,” Wardle said.
“She often gets that little flick on the ball that helps us to turn it over and is always there for back-up.”
The Saints will have to continue to put forward a consistent four quarters throughout the next six games of the season if they want to keep their finals hopes alive.
The next two weeks will see them take on second-ranked Swan Hill, moving up a rung the next week to meet as-yet defeated Woorinen in Round 14.
