THERE was nothing to separate Lake Boga and the Mallee Eagles on Saturday, with the super-competitive match ending in a tie.
While the start was slow because of the unfavourable weather conditions, the Eagles found themselves in the lead by five at the first break. There was only two goals in the match at half-time, with the Eagles just ahead.
The Pies really picked up the momentum in the third quarter, getting ahead by two goals going into the last 15 minutes. They were able to push their lead out to five at one stage, but a few poor centre passes allowed the Eagles to capitalise and score.
From there, the tight battle continued until the whistle blew with the scores 52 apiece.
“The score goes to show how close the competition is this year,” Mallee Eagles coach Vicki McDonald said.
“To be pushed coming into finals is always a good thing.”
The defensive pressure down both ends of the court was palpable throughout the game, with Pies defenders Jemma Meehan and Felicity Robertson combining well against dynamic shooters in Kellie Walker and Emelia Bett.
Down the other end of the court it was a battle of the sisters, with Eagles defenders Claire and Meg Allen going head-to-head with Katie and Sarah Hepburn in a competitive tussle.
Despite the draw, Pies playing coach Anna Archie was still pleased with the result.
“Our biggest positive to take away was the steadiness we had through the game,” Archie said.
“It was the first time we have taken control of our own game.”
The tie puts the Eagles and Pies in third and fourth ladder positions respectively. The top four teams in A Grade now all sit on 50 points, with only percentage separating them.
The Eagles will host Koondrook-Barham in the last round of the season in what should be a percentage-boosting win for the Eagles, as the Raiders are yet to win a game this season. Lake Boga will take on Tooleybuc-Manangatang in what should be a competitive match.
Final whistle
Lake Boga 52
Mallee Eagles 52
