BALRANALD kept their finals hopes alive for another week with a seven-goal win over Tyntynder in a fierce, fast-paced game at Greenham Park on Saturday.
While the Bulldogs no longer have a chance of playing in the finals series, that did little to dampen their fighting spirit.
Tyntynder goes on to the court with an “in it to win it” mindset each week.
While the reigning premiers went into the match as favourites and were ahead on the scoreboard at every break, the competitive game had a finals-like atmosphere. The Dogs were never far behind and even found themselves a couple of goals up in the third quarter.
Tyntynder’s playing coach Teagan Lawry said it was a physical contest against Balranald, but was pleased by the performance of her squad.
“Our pressure, communication and commitment to our game plan was a massive positive for us,” she said.
The pressure on the court during the game was palpable, with a number of held balls called against both teams throughout the match.
As it was a must-win game for the Roos, playing coach Jess Parry said she was really happy her team was able to get across the line.
“We knew Tyntynder would be tough and a much improved side from round 1,” she said.
“I’m proud of our girls in the way they bounced back after a bye. We really worked hard and looked after each other to come home with the win.”
The win keeps Balranald in the five for now, but only by percentage, sitting on the same points total as the Mallee Eagles in fourth position and Kerang in sixth place.
Balranald 48
Tyntynder 41
