A second quarter blitz gave South Morang 1 a six-goal victory over Epping 2 at RMIT University in the opening round of the 2023 NFNL Senior Winter Netball competition.
The Lions produced a five-goal turnaround in the second term to get back into the match, before a tight defensive contest played out, with South Morang doing enough to seal a 26-20 victory.
South Morang goal defence Shannon McLean was outstanding as she fought for the ball and was always there as a backup for her teammates when they needed her. Her passion and determination drove the whole side to have a boost in energy and go for every ball all over the court.
Dynamic Lions shooting trio Maddison Filev (15 majors), Kate Methven (six) and Annesley Oreo (five) caused chaos in the circle, not being afraid to shoot from anywhere, with Oreo in particular, using her speed and deception to get the ball in the circle.
Down the other end, Epping goal shooter Ebony Albon (13 goals) was able to produce a strong effort for her side. Teammate Suellen Drebing out in wing defence played a key role in keeping the Blues in the match, with her ability to shut down her opposition and her willingness to put her body on the line.
It was a tight but high scoring first term, with only one goal separating either side at quarter time. Albon’s six goals helped give Epping the slim advantage.
But it was a strong second quarter from the Lions that threatened to blow the game right open. Filev would have her equal highest scoring quarter of the game with five goals while the defensive work of South Morang duo Shannon McLean and Charleigh Curran helped keep the Blues to just three goals, while their side took a four-goal lead into half time.
The Lions were able to slightly increase their advantage to six goals at three quarter time as a result of another five goals from Filev. But some great moments from the Blues throughout the term kept them in the hunt approaching the last quarter.
A defensive struggle took place in the final term, as both teams looked to put pressure on the other.
Mary Pargas was a workhorse for the Lions in centre, with her ability to keep the tempo of the game strong, helping the Lions maintain the lead throughout the second half.
Both sides shot four goals apiece, which was enough for South Morang to hold onto a six-goal triumph.
