BACK-to-back premierships are a step closer to reality for Balranald after an upset six-goal win over Woorinen at the weekend.
It was a must-win match for the Roos, who took to the court full of confidence and eager to prove that they are finals contenders this season after a slower start to 2023.
While scores were tied at up at the first break, the Roos put in a big second-quarter effort to give them a buffer of seven goals – a deficit in which, despite their best efforts, the Tigers just couldn’t come back from in the end.
Woorinen playing coach Tayla Bennett said despite the loss she was still pleased with the way her team performed on Saturday, demonstrating patience and resilience all the way down the court.
“Balranald came to play and worked hard for their win,” she said.
“In short, you win some and you lose some – it’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
“We take away things to work on, but we move forward and look ahead to the few games left before finals.”
Balranald playing coach Jess Parry believes her team’s strong pressure down the court created some impressive turnovers and earned them the win.
“It was the confidence-boosting win that we needed, while knowing we still have work to do and things we need to be better at,” she said.
While the loss does not impact the ladder position of the Tigers, who are still sitting comfortably in second place, the win elevates the Roos to fourth.
But with the Mallee Eagles and Kerang nipping at their heels, as well as a couple of big games against Swan Hill and Lake Boga ahead, Balranald will need to keep up their current momentum in order to stay in the top five and have a chance of defending their premiership title.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Woorinen 41
Balranald 47
