A dominant three-quarter performance solidified a convincing 18-goal win for Heat 6 in their NFNL senior winter netball match against Northcote Park 1 at Eltham Leisure Centre.
Heat continued their strong form that saw them win their opening two games of the season by an average of 13 goals, as they turned around a six-goal deficit at quarter time to triumph 32-14.
It was a masterclass by all Heat players on court, with every player winning back the ball for their side as well as having great game awareness.
The influence of Bianca Mirra (17 goals) and Vanessa Moles (15) was evident throughout the match as they slotted goals from everywhere. Their even shooting load kept the Cougars’ defenders second guessing who to cover as both shooters were performing exceptionally well.
Heat centre Rylee Lawler also produced a brilliant performance and was a consistent contributor in her side’s victory.
They didn’t have it all their way though, with an excellent first quarter from Northcote Park putting Heat on the backfoot early.
Defender Grace Keppel caused absolute havoc in both the defensive and middle thirds. She was able to win back plenty of ball and often contribute to the team’s transition in attack.
Northcote Park’s work moving forward was fluid at times thanks to wing attack Greta Ishak, who was able to drive into either pocket she wanted with easy access into her shooters. The benefactors were Rebecca Brown and Elizabeth Peters who finished the match with six and eight goals respectively.
As a result, the Cougars led 9-3 at the first change but despite the solid opening quarter, the Heat defence went up a notch and allowed their opponents to score just five goals for the remainder for the match.
Heat piled on 11 goals while conceding just one in the second term. Mirra scored eight goals to help her side grab a four-goal lead at half time, before producing an 18-goal to four second half to salute with a third consecutive win in the 2023 winter season.
A highlight in the fourth term for Heat was Fahreena Faiyaz making the quarter her own. She was challenging passes in the air, in the pockets, and stretching across the circle edge to gain some low swing balls in her role as wing defence.
