Montmorency 3 and Hurstbridge 2 couldn’t be separated as the final whistle sounded at La Trobe Sports Stadium on Friday night, as both sides scored 23 goals apiece in a 2022-23 NFNL senior summer netball Section 5 thriller.
The result meant that both sides concluded the regular season by staying in the same positions they were heading into the match, with the Magpies wrapping up second spot and the Bridges finishing in fourth.
Montmorency’s Amy Dillon had another great shooting performance, finishing with 13 goals for the second consecutive game. Meanwhile, Jessica Kennealy (10 goals) provided plenty of support for Dillon in the attacking half.
Goal shooter Jade Allison was a standout for the Bridges, producing 17 of her side’s 23 goals for the night, including 10 of Hurstbridge’s 11 first half majors.
Hurstbridge hadn’t played in almost a month following byes and postponed games, while the Magpies were coming off a double chance sealing victory over Kilmore 2.
Both sides produced some strong defensive pressure throughout the first term and despite the Bridges having a slight edge in the early stages, the Magpies held a one-point advantage at quarter time.
In what would be a sign of things to come by the game’s end, either side couldn’t be split in the second quarter, scoring six majors apiece. Allison had all six of Hurstbridge’s goals to her name while Dillon and Kennealy again scored three majors each for the term.
The midcourters were also on song from both sides, especially in the first half, producing quality feeds to their attackers.
Montmorency’s one-goal lead was intact at half time, but the Bridges would find a way to create their own slim advantage as the third term progressed.
Goal attack Melissa Martini was the player leading the way for her side in the quarter, scoring four majors, with Holly Spooner also getting involved in attacking plays, to help the Bridges win the quarter 7-4 and lead by two goals at three quarter time.
An intense final term followed as despite the strong work of the Hurstbridge midcourters, Montmorency fought their way back into the contest as they won more 50/50’s and produced their highest scoring term of the match with seven goals.
With scores tied in the final minute, both teams frantically attempted to win possession and create a scoring opportunity, but no player was able to get a shot away in time, with the two teams registering their second draws of the season.
