KERANG have kept their finals hope alive for another week with a 28-goal win over Cohuna at the weekend.
The grudge match against the two rivals was a must-win encounter for the Blues, who are teetering on the edge of the top five, sitting in sixth place but equal on points with the Mallee Eagles, who sit fifth.
Blues coach Chloe Adams, who was sidelined for the match against the Kangas with a calf injury, told The Guardian before the match the main focus for her side would be consistency, which did seem to have noticeably improved compared to the previous match against Nyah-Nyah West United.
The Kangas were also aiming to play consistent netball against the Blues, which playing coach Meg Dye believes they were able to execute their plans for the first half of the match.
“We made multiple changes throughout the game to try and slow Kerang, but it was hard as their midcourt was quick,” she said.
One of those changes was putting Ebony Black into the shooter position, giving the Kangas a tall target under the post, as well as a strong, experienced goal attack out front in Kobie McIvor.
But the Blues’ attack end was on top of their game and ultimately too much for the Kangas to overcome, particularly shooter Courtney Robertson, who shot 64 of their 76 goals.
Kerang will have a break this weekend before taking on reigning premiers Balranald in round 17. With both sides struggling to cement their places in the finals, it is expected to be a spectacular game as both fight to secure their place.
Cohuna will host league heavyweights Swan Hill in what will be another tough match for the Kangas.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Cohuna 48
Kerang 76
