Magpies break away to grab victory


Published on Monday, May 30, 2022

Author : Elly Kirlis

Montmorency 4 have continued their strong start in Section 7 of the 2022 winter netball campaign, defeating Epping 2 by seven goals at La Trobe Sports Stadium.

Both teams brought the pressure defensively in what was a tight first half, but the Magpies ability to break the game open in the third term was the base of their 24-17 victory, their fifth win of the season.

After undergoing multiple operations and significant rehab, Rebecca Buckley returned to the court for the first time in 924 days, marking an excellent return with 13 majors at goal shooter for the Magpies. Chloe McCormack was on also song, combining well with Buckley and contributing 12 goals.

The Magpies defensive unit of Lauren Van Dyke and Emilie Rush pulled down some strong rebounds and intercepts, keeping Epping’s goal attack of Ashlee Moate to four goals for the match.

In her 200th game for Epping, Kirsty Stilsby, played a strong role in the defensive end in both goalkeeper and goal defence.

Following a contested first term, Epping held a slight two goal lead at quarter time before a livelier second quarter took place.

The Blues duo of Kirsten Evans and Kim Franks fed the ball well into the shooting circle and while also forcing stops defensively.

But the Magpies began to pick up the pace and in the last few minutes of the half, were able to turn the momentum around to lead by two goals at the main break.

Resuming control of the contest in the third term, the Magpies kept the pressure up on their opponents. The Magpies midcourt of Harriet Speakman-Rush, Holly Ditchfield and Jennifer Roper were able to increase the speed of their ball movement while also creating some brilliant plays to put the Epping defence on the backfoot.

Montmorency were able to limit Epping to just three goals for the term while producing five majors of their own to take a handy four goal lead at three quarter time.

Whilst Epping kept searching for their first quarter form, the Magpies pounced on turnovers at every opportunity, scoring nine goals to four in the final term to run out impressive seven goal winners.

A big test awaits Montmorency 4 next week when they face South Morang 1 who are currently on a three-game winning streak while Epping 2 take on Bundoora 4.

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