Tigers take tough match

LADDER leaders Woorinen were put to the test on Saturday in a tense match against the Mallee Eagles.

Just three weeks out from finals the Woorinen players had to fight hard to defend their title and their consistently strong hold over the season so far.

At the end of the first quarter the Eagles had the lead by just one point.

Woorinen coach Naomi Lewis said it was goal for goal in the first quarter as they fought to maintain pressure on their fierce opponents.

“Nobody really gained an advantage anywhere and we realised that was going to the way all day,” Lewis said.

In the end it was a combination of confidence under pressure and steady fitness that enabled Woorinen to come out ahead in the final, anxious quarter.

“It’s just about being able to handle any pressure at this stage,” she said.

“The last few weeks we’ve been up against some really tough teams and we’ve really been pushing in that fight.”

Woorinen are relying on a carefully perfected set of strategies that have developed over their stunning season.

“We’re going to rely on our game plan,” Lewis said.

“We know what works and we know that we can work hard. I’ve got seven leaders out there on the court and theyre the ones out their doing it.

“At this stage there’s nothing to make we question their abilities.”

Best on court was a hard pick for Lewis, who said she had a whole team of star players.

But Kayla Stanley was a vital cog in the Woorinen machine, consistently performing in goals.

In defense Angela Young and Ash Donnan kept the determined Eagles at a distance.

It was only after half time that Lewis felt confident.

“It was probably then that I knew we had the fitness to keep the game,” she said.