COMPOSURE won out over physicality in the battle between Lake Boga and Balranald on Saturday, with the Magpies taking home the win by three goals.
Both sides expected a hard fight, with every error and turnover possibly crucial.
The Magpies worked hard in the first quarter to give themselves a three-goal buffer heading into the first break – a deficit that the Roos couldn’t seem to come back from, and trailed by for most of the match.
Despite the loss now making the Roos’ run to the finals more difficult, coach Jess Parry said she was happy with the way her team performed in a fierce game.
“We definitely had our opportunities to win, but a couple of costly errors at crucial times cost us,” she said.
“It was a highly contested, intense game that I think both teams enjoyed – credit to Lake Boga, they deserve to be sitting on top of the ladder.
“We will walk away with our heads held high and continue to work hard on the areas we need to improve on.”
The game was won in the rings, with Magpies sister shooting duo Katie and Sarah Hepburn shooting confidently and accurately, while defenders Jemma Meehan and Sophie Peacock played a pivotal role in stopping the Roos’ shooters.
“Our defenders were instrumental in the outcome by taking advantage of any opportunities they got to turn over the ball in the ring,” Lake Boga netball president Sheridan Harrop said.
“Our movement down the court worked well, even though Balranald tried to slow it down with their pressure.”
While Lake Boga’s spot in the finals is secure, Balranald will be looking to take home the four points against Kerang in round 17 to make sure they get a chance at defending their premiership title.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Lake Boga 46
Balranald 43
