THE Mallee Eagles have solidified their hold on top spot with a 15-goal win over a much-improved Tooleybuc-Manangatang on the weekend.
The 63-48 victory was set up by a dominant first half, with the unbeaten ladder leaders outscoring the Saints 35-goals to 21 before the main break.
The Eagles extended their lead to 21 goals at the final change, before Tooleybuc-Manangatang fought back over the final 15 minutes to outscore the visitors by six goals.
The win sees the Eagles move two games clear on top of the Central Murray ladder, with Mallee Eagles co-coach Alicia Harvey full of praise for her team’s ability to back up their following their win over Kerang last Saturday.
“We’re really proud of all seven girls that took the court today,” Harvey said post-match.
“We knew that they (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) were going to be a pretty big challenge with the additions of Zoe Morris and Emily Siely recently and that proved to be the case.
“It was definitely hard right from the start and I honestly don’t think the score reflected the intensity of the game at all, but we’re absolutely stoked with the result regardless.”
The Eagles’ defensive pressure across the court was one of the key differences in the match, with Lily Brennan, Kasey Torr and Harvey all combining to halt the Saints run through the middle third for much of the match.
Torr was instrumental with her ability to feed goalies Megan Thorneycroft (35 goals) and Julia Amezdroz (28 goals), who despite the windy and at times difficult conditions, made the most of their opportunities.
“I think we were able to capitalize on turnovers, our transition into our attackers was seamless and I think we capitalised pretty much on all of those and their errors as well,” Harvey said.
“I think our midcourt was probably a bit more direct and stronger in transition for sure, but otherwise I think it was pretty even in the book ends with their shooters, who are well drilled and have the height.
“Zoe is a very strong predominant goalie and Summer (Blachford) in goal attack is quite strong as well.
“They make a really good pair, but I think it was probably the midcourt that won it for us.
“I also though Megan and Julia shot beautifully and I thought they used the utilise the ring and their angles really well.
“They shared the ball equally between them too which made it hard for them (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) they couldn’t double team any player and just changing up their game as well.”
Also among the Eagles’ better players were defenders Jemma Meehan and Nevaeh Roberts, who were able to restrict Morris and Blachford to just 44 goals between them – their lowest combined score since Morris’ first game in the red, white and black.
“I think it’s always hard with a such a strong goalie in the opposition such as Zoe for Nevaeh (Roberts) and Jemma (Meehan) to come out and do those hunts,” Harvey said.
“I think our girls got their confidence up nice and early that they were actually able to come off their player and make those hunts and I think that’s where we won a lot of turnovers and a lot of our steals, was with that defensive pressure in our defensive third and even in the middle third as well.”
Morris was still one of the Saints’ better players, along with goal keeper Taylah Morris and midcourter Jayda Plant who worked hard defensively all afternoon.
Although disappointed in the end result, Tooleybuc-Manangatang coach Mel Wait was still able to take several positives from the match, with her team able to match it with the ladder leaders in the final term.
“Disappointing result but also a good learning curve,” Wait said.
“They had good defensive pressure all over the court and we didn’t move the ball quick enough, but in the last quarter when we did we really matched them.
“It was good to see that standard and the work we have to do.”
FINAL WHISTLE
| TOOLEYBUC-MANANGANTANG | 48 |
|---|---|
| MALLEE EAGLES | 63 |
