Bloods claim opening round triumph


Published on Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Author : Elly Kirlis

In their first netball match under the NFNL banner, Kinglake 1 fell just short against Lalor 1 at La Trobe Sports Stadium, going down by five goals in the opening round of grading in the 2022-23 NFNL summer netball competition.

It was the Bloods’ seven goal to one third term that broke the game apart in their 24-19 triumph, however it wasn’t without a fightback from the Lakers who scored an impressive 10 goal to four final quarter.

Coming off a 226-goal winter season with Lalor, Zoe Lagoulis continued to be dominant in the shooting circle, with the goal attack finishing with 19 majors. Jayde Bonello contributed with five goals.

The Lakers scoring was more spread out with Billie Cvijetic (9), Amy Goodwin (8) and Natalie Mair (3) all having a presence in the attacking half.

In a tight first quarter, Lalor were able to hold a small advantage. Lagoulis would score all seven of her side’s majors as they took a two-goal quarter time lead.

The competitiveness from both sides remained in the second quarter but again, the Bloods won the quarter, allowing them to go five goals to the good at the main break.

In a strong third quarter, Lalor was able to break the game wide open with a seven goal to one term. Lagoulis again led the way on the scoring front, adding another six goals to her tally, while the defensive efforts of Kristin Birch and Danielle Smith ensured the Lakers were under pressure at each attacking opportunity.

Despite an 11-goal deficit heading into the final quarter, Kinglake rallied to try and stage a comeback. They produced a solid 10 goal final term, with goal attack Amy Goodwin converting seven of those majors, to reduce the margin.

Lalor’s efforts in the opening three terms would prove to be enough despite the Lakers final quarter, giving the Bloods a winning start to the 2022-23 summer netball season.

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