THE Mallee Eagles exacted revenge for their heartbreaking one-goal loss to Cohuna earlier this season, defeating the Kangas on Saturday by 11 goals.
The 45-34 win all but cements the Eagles’ spot in this year’s finals series, with the Lalbert-based team remaining in third and moving two games and percentage clear of sixth-placed Woorinen.
It was a tough day for the Kangas, with defender Carly Geary stepping in as coach in the absence of senior coach Georgia Anderson.
The Kangas proved more than competitive for the first three quarters, with the Eagles holding a one-point lead at the final break, before a 14-4 final quarter blew the game open.
It was an imposing final 15 minutes from a team considered one of the big challengers to the top two.
Eagles co-coach Alicia Harvey was delighted with her team’s final quarter.
“It was a ripper game and neck and neck all the way until the last quarter, which was exactly what we were expecting,” Harvey said.
“I’m super proud of the girls who put in 100 per cent in every single quarter and then even more in the last.
“We’ve been working really hard on our consistency since the start of the season, rather than dropping off in the third quarter or the last, which has happened in tougher games this year.
“The girls just worked even harder and made sure we got the result.
“We’ve been working on starting well and keeping that momentum all game, and that’s exactly what we did.
“We didn’t drop off at all or lose our heads, and that’s what got us the win in the end.
“It didn’t feel like either side had the momentum at any stage through the first three quarters, neither side dropped their heads, and both teams maintained their positions, but in that last quarter I just felt like we worked that little bit harder.”
The other big advantage for the Eagles was the form of goaler Megan Thorneycroft, who not only shot at an incredible 97 per cent accuracy, but combined well with Mikayla O’Meara and Gemma Miller who partnered her in the ring in the absence of the injured Kasey Torr.
“Having our A squad train together made that transition easier, but (Thorneycroft) was excellent at goal attack,” Harvey said.
“She provided that direction and her accuracy was on point, and I couldn’t fault her.
“(Cohuna’s) shooters were what got them the win earlier in the year when we lost to them by one goal, but (on Saturday) I felt we dominated in that area which helped get us the win.”
Along with Thorneycroft, the Eagles were well served by Nevaeh Roberts in defence, with her pressure on the ball and ability to rebound, along with fellow defenders Laura Sheahan and Lean McKenzie, key factors in the win.
Despite the loss, Cohuna coach Anderson was upbeat, with the Kangas still sitting inside the top five and in a strong position to play finals.
“We wanted to win that one so badly, but we were a little inconsistent at times,” Anderson said.
“We made changes in our attack end as needed and our third quarter was our best, with Ebony Black making a difference, but it wasn’t lost until the last.
“You need intensity and stamina for all four quarters and that’s what (Mallee Eagles) had.
“Overall, I’m not disappointed, I like that we can roll subs and make changes and still be in games.
“We need to do a bit of tweaking, but that’s natural with new teams.”
Marli Easton was judged best on court for the Kangas, with Lilly Guerin and Taylor Hird also strong contributors.
Final Whistle
Cohuna 34
Mallee Eagles 45
