It’s be a long winter for the Eagles who have been unable to string together consecutive wins in the past weeks but Friday night’s efforts will bring fond memories for this young developing squad.
The Eagles came straight out of the gate and were able to score the first three goals of the game. The Eagles had good vision and awareness on the court.They were able to capitalise from any turnovers made by Mernda.
To the Demons’ credit, they fought back hard in the first quarter and were able to take a one-goal lead at quarter time.
Both teams were hard at the ball and had slump patches between. The rotating combination of goalers Abby Hudson and Rebecca Kelly proved to be unstoppable forces, shooting from all different places in the ring and ultimately they were the difference between the two team line-ups.
The Mernda midcourt displayed why they are still a dark horse of this year’s final series. The blue and red brigade was lightning fast and was able to use speed and agility to its advantage when looking down the court.
However, the Eagles were able to snatch a handy lead into half time on the back of a fine first half performance.
Anyone worth their salt knows that netball is very much an attacking game. You cannot simply defend a lead in netball and Whittlesea had to continue to attack if it was to win the game.
The first half was over, blood was pumping and gloves, for all intents and purposes, had been taken off.
Cara Hudson from Whittlesea, was a pleasure to watch. Teaming up with her sister Abby in the goals, Cara provided brilliant service into the ring, giving the goalers the best opportunities.
Mernda stayed within range of the Eagles but was a little slow on centre passes. They lacked the run and carry they possessed in the first half.
The Eagles sensed victory and put the foot on the pedal to finish off the game with great tenacity and polish. It is hard not to get excited if you are an Eagles fan, looking at the young talented group playing together.
Before we start playing with ‘mid-season revolution’ headlines, the Eagles will have to knock up some equally terrific wins in a row. Hopefully this new found energy will give the Whittlesea girls a boost to soar for the rest of the season.
Final score: Mernda (16) def by Whittlesea 1 (27)
