THE Mallee Eagles have moved to the top of the ladder after their comfortable win over Nyah-Nyah West United at the weekend.
The Eagles looked in control of the game from the start, going into the first break seven goals up on the Demons. That lead continued to grow as the Eagles settled into the game and gained momentum, finding themselves with a 20-goal lead at the end of the third quarter.
They maintained this margin to the end, clinching the ladder lead.
The Eagles’ defending duo, sisters Claire and Meg Allen, combined well throughout the game to shut down Demons shooter Denise Synder.
Through the midcourt, the Eagles’ wing attack Sonya Lorenzo and centre Alicia Harvey picked up the pace, chasing down loose balls and applying enormous pressure on their opponents.
Eagles coach Vicki McDonald said both teams adapted well to the cold and windy conditions, which made an already tough game harder.
“We knew from the start it was going to be a game with short passes and goalies needed to get in close to the ring,” McDonald said.
This week the Mallee Eagles will travel to Woorinen to take on the Tigers in a game they should control. The Demons will host Lake Boga in what should be a tightly contested game, with the teams sitting fifth and sixth on the ladder.
As the end of the season nears, McDonald is trying to not let herself or her team become complacent.
“With only four games left and competition close, every week is an important game before finals,” she said.
Final whistle
Mallee Eagles 68
NNW United 48
