BALRANALD v KERANG
Balranald produced a dominant four quarter performance to open their 2024 campaign with 20 goal victory over Kerang on the weekend.
The Roos led at every change, but were simply unstoppable in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Blues 26 goals to 12, before eventually running out comfortable 53-33 winners.
Kerang came into the match as an unknown quantity, with several new faces giving the Blues fans hope of an upset result, but those hopes were soon dashed by a powerful Balranald defensive, led by Elli-Jane Pollard, Bree Hodgson and Grace Morton.
Balranald’s defensive trio constantly made life hard for Kerang, with the Blues often turning the ball over with their last pass into the ring as result. Balranald’s speed of ball movement also proved problematic for the visitors, especially through the centre third of the court, with Ella Mirtschin the main beneficiary of her midcourt’s good work, shooting a game high 35 goals, with Jess Parry also a solid contributor with 11.
For Kerang, Chloe Adams and Jamison Wise worked tirelessly at both ends of the court to be among the Blues better players.
FINAL WHISTLE
BALRANALD 53
KERANG 33
TYNTYNDER v COHUNA
Tyntynder took the honours in the closest match from round 1, with the Bulldogs defeating the Cohuna Kangas by five goals in a physical contest at the Alan Garden Reserve.
After going into half time trailing by a goal, the home side clicked into gear in the second half to eventually run out 48-43 winners.
It was a solid display from both clubs, with neither team giving an inch throughout the match, with Tyntynder coach Kelsey Rowe impressed with the way her team was able to adjust after the main break.
“We had a bit of a slow start and didn’t adjust to the physicality of the game, but in those last pressure moments we really stood up and I was really pleased to come away with the win,” Rowe said.
“We had a good chat at half time about what was happening and how best to respond, and to their credit the girls took that on board and we were much better in the second half.”
Goal keeper Bridgette King was among the Bulldogs better players, while Demi Hallam and Bridget Dedini were also influential. For Cohuna, youngsters Taylor Hird in wing attack and Sammi Moon who played predominately in the centre were strong contributors.
FINAL WHISTLE
TYNTYNDER 48
COHNA KANGAS 43
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v MALLEE EAGLES
A 25 goal to 14 first half has helped secure the Mallee Eagles their first win of the season, defeating Tooleybuc-Manangatang by 12-goals.
While the first half was dominated by the Eagles, the Saints rallied after half time to stay in touch of the visitors, but were unable to bridge the gap, eventually succumbing 48-36 at full time.
Gemma Miller was dominant in the attacking third in her first game for the Eagles, shooting a game high 29 goals, while Amy Jobling (19 goals) also proved problematic for Tooleybuc-Manangatang defenders Taylah Morris and Leonie Kentish.
FINAL WHISTLE
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG 36
MALLEE EAGLES 48
KOONDROOK-BARHAM v NNW UNITED
Nyah-Nyah West United find themselves on top of the Central Murray A grade ladder following a commanding 30-goal victory over Koondrook-Barham on Saturday.
Recruit Sarah Gaskin dominated under the ring for the Demons, shooting 43 goals to help lead NNW United to a 61-31 victory.
Saturday’s match saw the returns of two very impactful players for their teams, with Tlarnee Lake returning for the Raiders and Matika Mitchell for NNW United.
Lake’s matchup against Demons defender Taylen Blachford was a crucial one according to NNW United coach Madi Jones, who was full of praise for her goal defence post-match.
“She (Blachford) did her job all day and was big presence in defence for us, while Lucy Millard played really well in wing attack also,” Jones said.
“I felt we really capitalised on some of their turnovers and we were able to take advantage of them down the court, but full credit needs to go to our midcourt for their defensive pressure.”
Remy Doyle was among Koondrook-Barham’s better players, with her match-up against Mitchell in the centre allowing the young Raider to showcase her talents.
FINAL WHISTLE
KOONDROOK-BARHAM 31
NYAH-NYAH WEST UNITED 61
