THE Mallee Eagles have climbed into the top five at the expense of an understrength Tyntynder, with the Eagles defeating the Bulldogs by 10 goals at Lalbert on the weekend.
The 41-31 win was the home side’s fifth of the season, with the Eagles now sitting fourth on the Central Murray A grade ladder, with Tyntynder falling two points behind fifth placed Cohuna in sixth and facing the prospect of playing catch-up for the remainder of the home and away season.
Mallee Eagles co-coach Alicia Harvey spoke post-match and was satisfied with her team’s ability to absorb the Bulldogs’ pressure and speed across the court.
“Every single one of our girls played their role and performed to the extent we asked of them and more,” Harvey said.
“We anticipated the speed of the game would be very quick and their midcourt to be speedy and physical, which they were, however we are a very quick and agile team too so it was an excellent match up.
“They (Tyntynder) utilised their rolling subs which was quite effective in giving them fresh legs throughout the midcourt, but our fitness and stamina from bookend to bookend let us keep up with their changes.
“Credit to Tyntynder, their defensive pressure was immaculate. Trying to penetrate their press that they set up on every turnover proved to be challenging, but as the game went on I felt we adjusted to their tactics while still playing our game and by doing so we were able to get the job done.”
The Bulldogs were without several key players, with Bridget Dedini and Monica Ellis both missing the must-win game.
Jaclyn Rivett was strong through the midcourt for the Bulldogs, while Tamara Weiss, Kim Calvert and Sarah Hawley were solid contributors after stepping up to replace Ellis and Dedini, with defender Nevaeh Roberts and shooter Megan Thorneycroft the better players for the Eagles.
