A STRONG defensive performance has handed Koondrook-Barham their second win since 2022, with a hard fought six-goal win over Tyntynder on Saturday.
After trailing by two goals at the main break, the Raiders turned up the heat in the third term, outscoring the Bulldogs’ 13 goals to five, to open up a six goal lead at the final change, before hanging on in the final quarter to win 39-33.
It was a strong first up display for Koondrook-Barham, with a new look team and new coaching structure showcasing that the Raiders will be a team on the rise in 2025.
But it was in defence where the visitors were most impressive, with the Raiders holding last year’s finalists Tyntynder, who themselves have undergone mass personnel changes, to just 33 goals for the match.
“I think the difference (between the two teams) was probably a different defensive style, our defensive combinations worked really well together for our first game,” Koondrook-Barham co-coach Emma Peacock said post-match.
“They (Tyntynder) were very consistent across the whole court and I actually don’t know where they made mistakes as they were very strong in all areas of the game, but we definitely converted a lot of the ball that we managed to turn over.
“Our goal ring work was really patient and I think that’s definitely helped us get the result, but you can’t go past our defensive end, they worked hard all day, especially given they were playing on a young, fast shooter that played an amazing game.”
That goal shooter was Violet Corrie, who upon making her A grade debut for the Bulldogs, shot 28 of her team’s 33 goals for the match and missed just one shot for the afternoon, earning the praise of Tyntynder co-coach Bridget Dedini.
“Violet Corrie was outstanding, she’s only 14 and she played like an experienced adult,” Dedini said.
“We were really happy with how our team performed, our juniors really stood up and held their own against quality opposition.
“We were really proud of the efforts of all girls that took to the court for us, every combination down the court was brand new yet I feel we played cohesively as a team.
“While we didn’t get the points, we looked at the game as a real positive for not only our team but our club – we just had fun which is our aim for the year.”
Along with Corrie, Taylah Woodward was also strong through the midcourt for the home side, while new recruit Erin Moerenhout was dominant in the ring for the Raiders, with the goal attack scoring 26 of her team’s 39 goals.
Koondrook-Barham young gun Remy Doyle was also back to her best in her return after missing the second half of last season with injury, with Peacock pleased her new look team were able to give the club a reason to celebrate early in the season.
“It feels good to get that first win out of the way,” Peacock said.
“The feeling around the club is incredible at the moment given all four senior netball teams won, as well as the seniors and reserves footy.
“The last two weeks has definitely shown that we can perform and we brought a little bit of that on Saturday, which was good.
“The feeling around the club is exciting and I don’t think they’ve had that for a long time. It’s great to be a part of it and very exciting for the people that have been at the club through the ups and downs.”
Koondrook-Barham will host NNW United in their first home match of 2025 this Saturday, while Tyntynder will travel to Tigerland to take on the in-form Woorinen.
