A quick start by Epping 1 was the difference in its Round 2 clash against Northcote Park 2 in Section 5 netball.
The ladder leaders were fast out of the blocks in the first quarter, with some great attacking plays down the court, and proved too much to handle at Mernda Central College, winning 32-20.
After conceding the first goal, Epping went on to control the first quarter, going into the quarter time break with a seven-goal lead following a buzzer beater shot by goal attack Ashlee Moate.
Epping wing attack Annette Gibson was on song throughout the whole game, giving some great passes into the circle and working well with the goalers.
Northcote Park was able to lift after the slow start and spaced the court well.
The Cougars picked up plenty of ball defensively as the second quarter started but couldn’t generate flow in attack, as Epping’s pressure went up a notch when challenged.
Epping defenders Megan Tinsley and Sarah Chambers both had a great game, getting some strong rebounds and getting numerous stops.
This caused problems for the Northcote Park attacking line, with the Blues taking extending the lead into the half time break to 16.
The third quarter saw an improvement from the Northcote Park attackers and defenders, with the Cougars keeping Epping to just five goals and producing great team play to put in eight goals at their end.
Sarah Chambers and Megan Tinsley continued to combine well in the in the defensive goal circle to ensure Epping maintained its advantage, although the Cougars were able to close the ladder-leader’s buffer to 13 goals by three quarter time.
Epping came out in the last quarter continuing their great defensive pressure and produced great change of direction, with gave the team plenty of options moving the ball forward.
The great feeds by the midcourt and the strong work in the defensive end ensured the Blues maintained a solid advantage throughout the final quarter.
To Northcote Park’s credit despite a tough night in the office, they didn’t give up and got plenty of ball defensively with some great intercepts.
They will also take confidence out of the fact that they were able to win the second half by four goals.
But ultimately, it was a great team effort performance by Epping, who stays on top of the ladder with the 32-20 result, which handed the club its fourth win from six games this campaign.
Final score: Epping 1 (32) def Northcote Park 2 (20)
