It was neck and neck at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles sneaking ahead 14-15. But by half-time it was a different story, the Roos finding their groove and overtaking their opponents and building an eight-goal lead.
Eagles coach Vicki McDonald said her team took the court with determination in the third quarter, intent on getting themselves back into the game and scored the first three goals of the quarter.
But, despite the Eagles’ best efforts, the Roos kept their lead to get another win on the board, with the final score reading 56-55.
“It came down to seconds on who was going to get the next goal or possession for the next turnover to win the game,” McDonald said.
Eagles shooter Kellie Walker put out a good performance up against a tough Balranald defence. At the other end of the court, Laura Fay and Claire Allen were strong against the very accurate Roos shooters.
In a mostly fast game, both midcourts had to be speedy to be competitive.
“What a great but very tough game!” McDonald said. “It could have gone anyone’s way.”
The Roos will need to be able to keep up the pace this week when they travel to Lake Boga to take on another top side.
The Eagles play at home in round 11 against Tooleybuc-Manangatang, who have just had two weeks’ rest.
Balranald 56
Mallee Eagles 55
Lake Boga too strong
LAKE Boga had a convincing win against Cohuna, the final scores reading 72-44.
The Pies were in control from the start, getting a seven-goal lead by the end of the first quarter and extending it for the 28-goal win.
After their previous game, Pies playing coach Anna Archie ensured her team did not go into the game complacent.
“We scraped through against Tyntynder, but we knew we have so much more to provide and came out firing against an ever-improving Cohuna side,” Archie said.
“I knew going into this game they were going to throw everything our way and they did.”
Kangas coach Danni Sawyer made a few changes to her line-up during the game, but Lake Boga performed like a well-oiled machine, impressing particularly in the midcourt.
Cohuna 44
Lake Boga 72
Woorinen dominates
KOONDROOK-Barham are still yet to get a win on the board this season after going down to Woorinen in round 10.
It was always going to be a tough day for the last-placed Raiders. The Tigers were in control of the match from the start, with the scoreboard reading 18-35 by half-time and their lead continuing to grow from there to a 47-goal winning margin.
The Tigers also had four junior players take the court throughout the day.
“To their credit, they slotted into the team perfectly and, despite lots of changes being made, we were able to maintain the same intensity,” playing coach Olivia Jones said.
Tigers goaler Zoe Steicke played an amazing game, scoring 69 goals. Tessa Demaria was also recognised for her work on and off the court, displaying great leadership skills, particularly for the younger players.
Koondrook-Barham 35
Woorinen 82
Swans beat busy NNW
DESPITE their best efforts, Nyah-Nyah West United couldn’t match Swan Hill, going down 67-42.
Demons playing coach Laura Anderson said she was proud of how her team performed against a strong Swan Hill side.
“I feel as though the score didn’t reflect the game,” Anderson said.
Demons goal attack Bridie Curran performed well against a strong defensive line-up.
At the other end of the court, Swan Hill’s shooting duo Casey Frame and Ingrid Condely continued to demonstrate their connection, combing well in the ring. Karli Livingston was also a standout for the Swans, putting on pressure through the midcourt as well as switching into attacking mode when needed.
Swan Hill coach Madeleine Nalder said it was a good game all around.
“Both teams had some really good passages of play,” she said.
Swan Hill 67
NNW United 42
