A huge final term effort from La Trobe 3 saw them claim their first win of the 2023 NFNL senior winter netball season, defeating Bundoora 12 by five goals at Mernda Central College.
Only one goal separated the two sides at three quarter time, before an eight goal to four final term broke the game open, giving La Trobe the 22-17 triumph.
La Trobe’s quick transition into defence is what ultimately won the game for them, with the versatile Sinead Wilby giving immense efforts in attack and defence to keep her side ahead.
Lydia Coh’s speed was also crucial for La Trobe, as her teamwork with Wilby did not allow the Bulls players to set up any defensive structures.
Not every play was perfect though, with Bundoora defender Rachael Quadrino being able to slide into any open space and challenge the front ball as well as some passes going into the back space.
Standout performances by Bundoora’s Joelene Hancock and Emma Gardiner (seven goals) kept a steady pace in the Bulls attack end, allowing for other players to open up while keeping the La Trobe players on their toes.
La Trobe had a brilliant start to the match with an eight-goal opening term. All eight goals coming from Grace Morison who would prove to be pivotal for her side at both ends of the court.
They would continue to dominate in the second quarter, as they kept Bundoora to a second three-goal term while scoring five more of their own to create a comfortable half time lead.
Down by seven heading into the main break, the Bulls made some changes to their midcourt which helped them gain some speed on transition through the middle third. The work rate of all Bulls players was exceptional as they scored seven goals to La Trobe’s one in the third quarter.
The term was truly a battle of the midcourt’s, with both sides having the ability to hit the circle edge with ease while taking some specky intercept in any of their thirds.
But with just a one-goal lead at three quarter time, La Trobe clicked into gear again with a huge final quarter.
Firing with their slick ball work in attack, on top of their strong defence in the midcourt, La Trobe were able to get the better of the Bulls all across the court, securing an eight-goal to four last quarter and a five-goal triumph.
