LAKE Boga showed they will be the team to beat once again this year with a five-goal win over a much-improved Balranald on Saturday.
The Magpies were challenged early and trailed at the first change, before an 11-goal-to-five second quarter saw last year’s grand finalists stamp their authority on the contest.
There would be no let-up after half-time, and while the Roos continued to press, they were unable to bridge the gap to fall 38-33.
It was an impressive first-up performance from Lake Boga, who were missing key players Katie Hepburn and Sophie Peacock, with Sophie Disher and Milla Holt coming in.
Balranald were also missing Brie Galvin and Grace Morton, leaving both teams below full strength.
For Lake Boga assistant coach Sheridan Harrop, the day couldn’t have gone much better.
“We knew it would be a tough match and we knew it would be physical, but it was a good game all-round really,” Harrop said.
“We started off a bit shaky at the start, but thankfully we settled down into our work pretty quickly.
“We always love playing against Balranald, it’s always a tough game and we knew it would be a really good test for us.
“They will be one of the big challengers this season I feel, so in many respects it was good to play them first up and find out where we’re at, but all in all we’re happy with the outcome.”
The match was won and lost in Lake Boga’s defensive third, where Jemma Meehan and Emma Peacock kept the impact of Balranald’s Ella Mirtschin (21 goals) and Jess Parry (12) to a minimum. Meehan and Peacock were among their team’s better players, according to Harrop, who was full of praise for the defensive duo.
“Jemma and Emma were fantastic and caused a few problems for their attacking end to get the ball into the ring,” Harrop said.
“Taigan O’Shannassy was another who played a great four-quarter game as well. We moved her from WD, where she played last year, into the centre and she really owned that position.
“We created a number of forced errors throughout the day and were lucky enough to convert the majority of them.
“Our defence made some beautiful steals in their attacking third and we were able to convert a lot of those, our attack and midcourt played really well defensively and used great space down the court.”
Balranald co-coach Elli-Jane Pollard was still happy with her side’s performance, comfortable in the knowledge that there is more improvement ahead for them before the two teams meet again in round 12.
“We had two late outs before the game, which was unfortunate, but all things considered I thought we did well to stay with them as they are a very strong side,” Pollard said.
“Their defensive pressure was very good, they played a good defensive zone and we struggled to break through it at times.”
Bree Hodgson in goal defence and Bonnie Jolliffe in the centre were among the Roos’ better players, while Lake Boga’s Sarah Hepburn was the game’s highest goalscorer with 27.
FINAL WHISTLE
LAKE BOGA 38
BALRANALD 33
