AFTER going goal for goal for the final 15 minutes, the Mallee Eagles were eventually able to secure a heart-stopping one-goal win over a much-improved Nyah-Nyah West United at the weekend.
The Demons trailed 24-25 at the final break and although the home side were able to tie the scores on 10 separate occasions in the last quarter, they were unable to find the crucial goal needed to put them in front.
Instead, the Eagles who held their nerve, with last year’s preliminary finalists recording a 36-35 win and moving themselves to sixth on the Central Murray A Grade ladder with their second win of the season.
While the dramatic finish was one to remember, the win was set up in the first quarter, when the victors scored seven of the first eight goals, forcing NNW United to play catch-up netball for the remainder of the game.
While the home side managed to work their way back into the contest, they were unable to get past the determined Mallee side.
Eagles co-coach Alicia Harvey was thankful the buzzer sounded just as her team put their noses in front late in the game.
“It was a heart-stopper, that’s for sure, but full credit to them (NNW United) for the way they just kept chipping away at our lead all game,” Harvey said.
“There were so many momentum shifts throughout the match, the last quarter was just intense and we were just lucky that when the timer went, we were up by one.
“The atmosphere was just electric in that last quarter, it was a great game and the match-ups all over the court were close.
“They (NNW United) didn’t make that many changes throughout the game, whereas we utilised our rolling subs a fair bit, which I felt helped us at the end with bringing fresh legs into the midcourt.”
It was a view that was shared by NNW United coach Madi Jones, who while disappointed her side was unable to get over the line, was still satisfied with her players effort and commitment to work their way back into the match.
“The third and fourth quarters were extremely tight, but we just let the margin get out too far in the first quarter and had to play catch-up from then on,” Jones said.
“That first quarter was the difference in the end because it was pretty evenly contested outside of that.
“Both teams didn’t capitalise on their opportunities at times I felt, but I was really pleased with the girls’ efforts to fight the game out until the buzzer.”
The midcourt battle between Demon Matika Mitchell and Harvey was thought to be a key contest pre-game and so it proved, as was the contest in NNW United’s attacking third between Demons Sarah Gaskin and Steph Henson and Mallee defenders Laura Sheahan and Amy Jobling.
The quartet were all among their teams’ better players, while Jess Jobling, Leah McKenzie and Meg Allen formed a strong combination through the midcourt with their speed and agility, according to Harvey.
“They (NNW United) played a very physical game and played body-on-body netball, which didn’t suit our style,” Harvey said.
“When we were playing their game, that’s when they were winning a few turnovers, so we had to remind ourselves that we are a very quick team and we needed to use that speed to our advantage.
“We’re not one of the taller teams and they had a height advantage on us at both ends of the court, which made it pretty hard to get those offensive and defensive rebounds, but our speed through the midcourt helped us negate that.”
The result sets up a massive weekend ahead for both clubs, with the Mallee Eagles facing a much-improved Cohuna Kangas, while NNW United will do battle with reigning premiers Swan Hill as they fight to retain their spot inside the top five.
FINAL WHISTLE
NYAH-NYAH WEST UNITED 35
MALLEE EAGLES 36
