WOORINEN have recorded their third straight win after holding on to defeat a fast finishing Swan Hill by three goals on Saturday afternoon.
With former Australian defender Sharni Layton helping the Tigers from the side lines, Woorinen were able to outlast a determined Swan Hill outfit, who appeared destined to spoil the party in the final quarter.
After taking a six-goal lead into the final term, the Tigers were quickly on the defensive mid-way through the last quarter after the Swans reeled off seven of the first nine goals, to reduce the margin to just a solitary goal with eight minutes remaining.
Woorinen rallied however, with Tayla Bennett going on a three goal burst soon after to once again give the Tigers breathing space before running out 53-50 winners.
It was a win of character for Woorinen, who moved a game clear of Koondrook-Barham in third spot on the Central Murray A Grade ladder.
For last year’s grand finalists, it was an opportunity missed however, with the Swans remaining outside the top five and locked in a battle with Cohuna, Balranald and now Tooleybuc-Manangatang for fifth.
While unhappy to not walk away with the a much-needed four points, Swan Hill coach Casey Frame was still upbeat following the result, with the Swans leader pleased with her team’s ability to compete against one of this season’s leading contenders.
“We’re clearly disappointed with a loss, but we were very competitive and within reach of them (Woorinen) during every quarter,” Frame said post-match.
“Our intensity and defensive pressure lifted in our centre third this week which helped our ring defenders.
“We also worked on our defensive throw ins, and I felt as though we executed a lot better in that area as well.
“We would have liked to and planned to do more rotations during the match, however, we were within reach at the end so we left it, but all in all, I was very pleased with our effort as a team.
“We are improving and it was a good result, especially against a top team.”
Frame played out the game in the Swans’ goal circle, with the veteran scoring 26 of her team’s 50 goals, with developing goal attack Ava Seymour also strong under the ring after scoring 24 goals for the match.
The Swans’ midcourt of Karli McIntyre, Hayley Neuschafer and Miela Roberts worked tirelessly all afternoon opposed to Woorinen’s Ava Crow, Chloe Militto and Violet Martinez.
Tigers centre Militto was adjudged the home team’s best on court, with Bennett, who shot 41 out of Woorinen’s 53 goals, also named in the better players.
FINAL WHISTLE
WOORINEN 53
SWAN HILL 50
