THE Mallee Eagles remain in contention for the finals after a convincing win over Nyah-Nyah West United in round 17.
The bye the previous week did nothing to slow down the Eagles, who were able to get an early six-goal jump on the Demons, continuing to grow their lead for the rest of the match.
The Eagles also tried a different shooting combination, letting Kellie Walker rest on the bench, bringing Emelia Shannahan to goal attack and moving Megan Thorneycroft into the shooter position.
Eagles coach Meg Allen said this duo worked nicely and it was a good match for her side overall.
“It was a really great four-quarter effort from the girls, and I was really happy with the intensity of the game from both teams,” she said.
The win means the Eagles are still in finals contention, but will need to keep up the pace against Cohuna in the last round.
FINAL WHISTLE:
NNW United 34
Mallee Eagles 60
Roos dash Kerang hopes
KERANG’S hopes of playing in the finals this season look gone after a disappointing 17-goal loss to Balranald on Saturday.
Both teams began the match needing to win as the finals race heats up.
The Blues were able to keep up with the Roos in the first quarter, trailing by only two goals at quarter-time. But their deficit continued to grow as the game went on, with the Roos demonstrating why they are the current reigning premiers.
The loss makes it almost impossible for the Blues, sitting one win behind fifth-placed the Mallee Eagles, to reach the finals.
The Roos’ win cements their finals position, as even a loss to Swan Hill in the final round will keep them in the top five.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Balranald 45
Kerang 28
Late surge by Kangas
AN undermanned Tooleybuc-Manangatang went down by eight goals against Cohuna on Saturday.
While neither team was fighting for a finals spot, it was a very competitive match.
Only one goal separated the two sides at half-time, and it wasn’t until the last quarter that the Kangas were able to get a run of goals and secure the four points.
Kangas coach Meg Dye said she felt as though it was their defence, made up of Breanna Wilson, Lucy Palmer and junior Makayla Heap, that “held their heads up” and applied a lot of pressure, forcing the Saints to throw the ball away.
“We were determined to finish our last home game with a win,” she said.
“I’m very proud of everyone efforts to get the win – we were consistent, controlled, patient and worked extremely hard.”
FINAL WHISTLE:
Cohuna 57
T-Manang 49
Calm Swans break away
SWAN HILL have continued their good form with a 33-goal triumph over arch-rivals Tyntynder at the weekend.
It wasn’t a straightforward win, however, with the Dogs taking to the court with incredible pace and determination and leading the game 11-10 at the first break.
But it was a pace they couldn’t maintain, and the Swans quickly showed why they are one of the top teams in the league, remaining calm and composed while applying pressure all the way down the court.
Swans coach Madeleine Nalder said it was a tight contest for the first half.
“Tyntynder were moving the ball well and were accurate at the post. But defensively we were able to pressure the ball and managed to create turnovers,” she said.
Swans shooters Zoe Morris and Ingrid Condely were among the best on the court, holding strong against the defence of Nicola Miliano and Bridget Dedini in the ring.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Tyntynder 34
Swan Hill 67
