SWAN Hill returned to the winners’ list in style with a dominant 21-goal win over crosstown rivals Tyntynder in their standalone King’s Birthday clash on Saturday.
The 59-38 win was set up in the opening quarter, with the Swans opening up a seven-goal lead at quarter-time, before continuing their onslaught in the second and third terms to open up an unassailable 22-goal lead by the final break.
While the Bulldogs would fight back to outscore the reigning premiers by a goal in the final 15 minutes, they proved no match for Swan Hill, who atoned for their own disappointing 16-goal loss to Lake Boga seven days earlier.
The win sees Swan Hill sit two games clear in second position and equal with ladder leaders Lake Boga, while Tyntynder remain inside the top five and half a game clear of the sixth-placed Mallee Eagles.
The weekend’s result also sets up a blockbuster encounter for Tyntynder against the Eagles, with the two clubs set to clash at Lalbert this Saturday, likely to have a significant say in both clubs’ finals chances.
While every game between arch-rivals Tyntynder and Swan Hill is hotly contested, it was the Swans’ ability to create turnovers in their defensive third that proved the difference, with co-coach Madeleine Nalder happy with her team’s four-quarter performance.
“We were happy with our game, we felt we were consistent across the four quarters and that’s what we were looking for heading into the game,” Nalder told The Guardian.
“It was good to get a win after last week and now we’re just looking forward to our next challenge against Balranald this weekend.
“Zoe (Morris) and Casey (Frame) combined well and our defenders worked hard all day too, but it really was a solid whole court performance from everyone.”
Morris was unstoppable under the ring for the Swans and scored 47 of her team’s 59 goals, while goal attack Frame worked tirelessly alongside wing attack Holly Rogers, with the pair named among their team’s better players.
It was a performance that showed Swan Hill are still among the Central Murray’s elite teams.
Meanwhile, Tyntynder coach Kelsey Rowe was left to ponder where to next for her Bulldogs after their disconcerting display.
“To put it simply, we just had a shocking day,” Rowe said.
“We were really disappointed in our efforts and felt we didn’t play as team or match the energy (Swan Hill) bought to the game, we will have a lot of reflection to do this week at training.
“ (Swan Hill) are a very experienced side and are very good at capitalising on turnovers and they certainly did that.”
Wing defence Monica Ellis was one of the shining lights for Tyntynder, with Rowe leading the scoring for the Bulldogs with 29 goals.
The other positive for the home side was the inclusion of young gun Izzy Corrie, with the midcourter set to play out the remainder of the season in the red, white and blue, according to Rowe.
“(Corrie) did a stellar job for us and she will get more court time over the next few weeks, but we’re just easing her into the side at the moment to help build her connection within the team,” Rowe said.
“Izzy will be a huge asset for us as she is a very versatile player who plays with a lot of determination.”
***
ROUND 10 RESULTS
A GRADE
Tyntynder 38
Swan Hill 59
A RESERVE
Tyntynder 45
Swan Hill 48
B GRADE
Tyntynder 34
Swan Hill 56
B RESERVE
Tyntynder 26
Swan Hill 49
17 & UNDER
Tyntynder 28
Swan Hill 55
15 & UNDER
Tyntynder 46
Swan Hill 38
13 & UNDER
Tyntynder 34
Swan Hill 21
