A first quarter blitz by Heidelberg West 1 was the difference in an opening round Section 4 netball bout against Montmorency 2.
Heidelberg West’s precision passing, and ball control was too much to handle for Montmorency at Mernda Central College on Friday night, winning 44-25.
The contest was seen to be a good matchup with both teams winning two matches from four during the grading rounds.
Heidelberg West opened the scoring from the first centre pass and would score a further six goals before Montmorency was able to register their first.
The Hawks went into the first break with a nine-goal advantage, capitalising fully on their fast start.
Hawks centre Ebony Capicchainno and wing attack Taylor Kennedy worked very well in tandem in the opening term to set up goal shooter Hailey Bynon for 11 first quarter goals.
Montmorency showed improvement in the second term, although the margin would remain at nine goals heading into half time.
Heidelberg West wing defence Chloe Rowan took control of the game in the second quarter, setting up many goals from the middle third.
Montmorency goalkeeper Rebecca Jones lifted in the second term, keeping Hailey Bynon to her lowest quarter tally for the match. While the Hawks found it difficult to get past Monty’s wing defence Laura Misale as she claimed three interceptions for the quarter.
The score blew out in the third quarter with Heidelberg West extending their lead to 16 heading into the final quarter.
Heidelberg West goalkeeper Erin Evans and goal defence Jessica Taylor were solid in defence, as they had countless interceptions and continued to follow up, setting up attacking plays.
Montmorency was more competitive in the last term; however, Heidelberg West extended their lead by three in the final quarter.
Hawks centre Ebony Capicchainno and wing defence Chloe Rowan were everywhere in the final term, setting up Hailey Bynon for 10 goals.
After moving from the midcourt to goal attack in the final term Monty’s Monique Bish looked at home, using her speed and agility to manoeuvre around opponents, while finishing with six goals for the quarter, a team high.
Laura Misale’s desperation and smart passing was also a standout for the Magpies, while her cries of yes will still be echoing throughout Mernda Central College.
Heidelberg West’s Hailey Bynon was the clear best player on the court, as she was too tall and too skilful for her opponents, scoring 36 of her team’s 44 goals.
It was an all-round good team performance with every position playing their role for the Hawks.
Final score: Heidelberg West 1 (44) def Montmorency 2 (25)
