Netball returned in the NNL on Friday night, following a two-break after Easter and ANZAC Day.
Netball reporter Lauren Bordin had a look at some of the action in Section 1 at RMIT.
COMETS TOO GOOD FOR NORTH
Bundoora has thrashed North Heidelberg by 21 goals, as it defeated North in all areas of the court in Round 3 of Section 1 action.
In the opening quarter North Heidelberg failed to effectively get the ball into its attacking circle, as misthrows allowed Bundoora to bring the ball to the other side of the court.
Strong defensive pressure from the Comets’ defence which caused these errors and created turnover opportunities, was complimented by good movement in the goal circle by shooters Elly Castles and Chloe Wilson.
Despite holding a seven-goal lead at quarter time Bundoora made several changes to its lineup, bringing on new goal attack Tayla Hardiman to pair with Wilson in the goal circle.
A changed lineup didn’t effect the Comets’ flow, with their pace through the court quickening in the second quarter.
Michelle Mallhouse’s run through the midcourt was important for North, as a fantastic intercept stemming from superb reading of the play resulted in a goal for her team.
Despite turnovers also occurring in Bundoora’s attacking half this quarter, North Heidelberg was not able to use these opportunities and trailed by 13 goals at half-time.
Intercepts were occurring often in the third quarter, as the strong defensive pair of Liz Edwards and Shannon McLean was able to stop North’s ball from entering its attacking circle.
Bundoora wing attack Jacinta Tonkin and centre Natalie Ognenis used quick and short passes into the goal circle to help the Comets extend their lead to 21 goals going into the final quarter.
The last quarter saw more of the same from North Heidelberg as inaccurate passes and shots being off target saw it not make the most of opportunities.
However a late period of play saw North Heidelberg string together four goals in a row as both teams scored eight goals in the last term, keeping the final margin at 21 goals.
Final score: Bundoora Comets 1 (50) def North Heidelberg 1 (29)
CREEK CONTINUE WINNING FORM
A two-week break in the Northern Netball Leauge didn’t have an affect on Diamond Creek’s match fitness, as it ran out 16-goal winners against Fitzroy Stars in Section 1.
In the early minutes of the game neither team could be separated until a pass that went out of court in Fitzroy’s attacking third allowed Diamond Creek to break and take the lead.
From here the Creekers started firing and piled on five consecutive goals.
The Stars didn’t let the Creekers four-goal lead at the end of the first quarter come easy, as following Diamond Creek’s strong period of play, Fitzroy scored four of the last six goals of the quarter.
Diamond Creek’s pace was excellent as its quick movement of the ball through short passes proved effective in getting the ball to its attacking circle.
It was the Creekers’ ability to score quick goals, which allowed them to keep their lead, as short periods of momentum again saw each team add on consecutive goals to the scoreboard.
The opening minutes of the second half were all Diamond Creek as its speedy movement into the goal circle was enjoyable to watch.
The Stars’ defensive pressure that had been evident all game, became more noticeable as Fitzroy’s defenders caused many turnovers in the third quarter.
Following an even second half of the quarter Diamond Creek took a lead of nine goals into the final term.
Fitzroy’s keeper Jessica Bamblett continued her solid game in defence, however Diamond Creek’s defenders remained equally strong in the Stars’ attacking third.
As had been the case the whole game, each team had periods of play in which they broke the opposition’s centre pass.
Diamond Creek started the fourth quarter with five consecutive goals, which were fought back by Fitzroy also scoring five goals in a row.
However Diamond Creek’s lead, which they built steadily each quarter, meant Fitzroy’s presses never put it in danger, as the Creekers won 51-35.
Final score: Diamond Creek (51) def Fitzroy Stars 1 (35)
