North Heidelberg 3 fought off a resolute Bundoora 1 outfit to return to the winner’s list in Section 1 of the 2023 NFNL winter netball competition, as they claimed a seven-goal triumph at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
After a six-goal half time lead, the Bulls responded by winning the third term, reducing the deficit to just three goals at the final change, and despite tying proceedings in the last quarter, the Bulldogs stormed home to win 53-46.
The victory pushed the side into second spot, wedged between the other two North Heidelberg teams, while Bundoora still round out the top four, but only on percentage ahead of Diamond Creek 1.
Accurate shooting as well as the rebounding ability from leading goal scorer Kate Ditcham (40 goals), helped the Bulldogs get over the line, while Jemima Tabacco (11) and Georgie Arnot (two) slowly gained confidence throughout the game to assist Ditcham in the attacking circle.
Goal keeper Georgia Hatzikirazis’ body positioning on the Bundoora shooters was clean, making it seem as though she was always standing in the right place at the right time. The constant challenges from in front and behind put an immense amount of doubt on the connection between the Bulls shooters and midcourt, causing hesitation on the pass and giving herself the best chance to attack the ball.
Bella Collodetti meanwhile was immense for the Bulls. She particularly shone in the fourth term, being able to read the play with ease causing multiple interceptions.
A competitive first half illustrated how important this win was for both sides, with the Bulldogs taking advantage of turnovers more often than their opponents.
Ditcham was a strong target for her teammates, whilst being difficult to beat in the air, even against Collodetti. She scored 11 of her side’s 13 goals in the opening quarter and 13 of the 14 goals scored by the Bulldogs in the second term.
Her easy access to goal was largely thanks to the fast footwork of Lucy Bult. In her role as centre throughout the first half, her speed her the space to drive into either the pocket or right on the top of circle edge and be in the prime position to feed Ditcham.
Despite Bundoora’s best efforts to limit the transitional play from their opponents, the Bulldogs took an important six goal lead into the main break.
However, some slick shooting from Emily Williams, who finished with 18 goals, helped the Bulls claw back the deficit during the third quarter.
That was despite taking a hard fall earlier in the game on her already bandaged knee, but it did not seem to bother her, with her splits and court craft working in Bundoora’s favour, while also stepping up the shooting the third term, slotting in eight goals from distance.
The shift of Lauren Hubbard into centre also paid off for the Bulls. Her vision into the circle was pinpoint accurate, as she set up her shooters incredibly efficiently, helping to establish a strong period for her side.
Bundoora’s third quarter fight back closed the gap to three goals heading into the last term.
The final quarter was intense as North Heidelberg initially struggled to keep the red-hot Bulls down.
Bundoora’s momentum eased into the last stanza, and they were able to tie the scores at 43 apiece well into the quarter.
But the Bulldogs would prove to have another surge in them, finding one final burst of energy to score 10 of the last 12 goals of the match, to claim a sixth victory in the 2023 NFNL winter netball season.
