A review of last Friday’s Round 4 matches in the Northern Netball League.
Continue below as NNL reporter Danielle Tedford reports on the following matches:
– Section 1: Diamond Creek 1 vs North Heidelberg 1
– Section 3: St Mary’s 1 vs Ivanhoe
DIAMOND CREEK SHOOTS TO TOP
Diamond Creek broke North Heidelberg’s undefeated start to the season in Round 4 of NNL action at Parade College to shoot to top place on the Section 1 ladder
With a defensive start to the game, both sides displayed calculated and strong on court tactics as they went into the first break locked at 12 goals apiece.
At the start of the second quarter Diamond Creek centre Bronwyn Taylor took control of the game, setting the quick pace of the game.
Her speed was remarkable, as was her passing ability. Taylor managed to leap what appeared to be double her height and take control of the ball, passing court length balls.
North Heidelberg’s first-half centre, Kate Butler was one of her side’s best, transitioning the ball cleanly down the court towards her shooters.
But Diamond Creek managed to turn the game around completely, gathering a 15-goal lead running into half time.
As the pressure heated up both sides displayed bold defensive work, but struggled with their obstructions, leading to a number of penalties being handed out in the third quarter.
North Heidelberg’s GA Chloe Meulenmeester displayed advanced shooting technique in the third quarter, scoring nine of her side’s 10 goals.
While Diamond Creek GK Verhonda Smith was also able to gain advantage in the third term, sweeping up multiple turnovers with her swift intercepting.
Shauna Ross, GD for North Heidelberg, worked hard to attain interceptions, displaying good agility, while fluently pushing the ball towards the attacking line.
Eloise Whitcroft demonstrated precision shooting in the final quarter, putting through 14 as Diamond Creek stretched its lead.
Diamond Creek coach Kristie Gannon said her team put in a positive performance after a slow start.
“Although we had a shaky start we pulled together nicely. Our flow down the court transitioned quite well and our defence was awesome,” she said.
“Coming into next week we will be looking to work on our decision making in terms of passes.”
Named as her side’s player of the week, Diamond Creek GS Kelly Sadowy said she was “looking forward to more wins and playing some competitive games this season”.
North Heidelberg’s Shauna Ross said her side performed admirably, despite going down in the end.
“Diamond Creek is an impressive side. We had a few outs tonight and no bench, which made it tough having no fresh legs, so it’s disappointing but we played well considering,” Ross said.
Final score: Diamond Creek 1 (61) def North Heidelberg 1 (36)
ST MARY’S SHOW ITS FINALS CREDENTIALS
St Mary’s pulled off a stellar win against newly-entered Section 3 outfit Ivanhoe in Round 4 of the NNL at Parade College on Friday night.
The 32-22 win saw the Burra move one-game clear atop the ladder following four matches.
Remaining undefeated after four rounds, St Mary’s has made it its ambition to go one step better after last year’s disappointing grand final loss.
St Mary’s was able to jump start the match with high intensity, which was soon matched by their young competitors, Ivanhoe.
Ivanhoe’s GS Maddison Seeley was able to keep her side within touching distance early, accurately scoring six of the team’s opening seven goals.
After an equal first term, St Mary’s was quick to step up its game in the second quarter. Demonstrating quick feet and fast passes St Mary’s was able to take the lead into half time.
St Mary’s GD Jess Beaton was a standout player, with her agility ensuring she was always well positioned to receive the ball, as well as allowing her to force turnovers for her team.
St Mary’s coach Jake Dambrauskas was pleased with his side’s defensive efforts in the win.
“We really stepped up defensively after the first quarter, and we saw our defensive combinations work well at picking off intercepts,” he said. “(The girls) ‘worked really well together tonight.”
Ivanhoe coach Julie Hibbert said her team would learn for the defeat and continue to improve.
“We’re a rather new side, recently coming up a division and although we need to work on our intensity I’m happy with the way the girls performed,” Hibbert said.
Ivanhoe’s centre Ella Shannon played a good tactical game and was able read the flow of the match well, often intercepting the ball and displaying strong passes.
Final score: St Mary’s 1 (32) def Ivanhoe (22)
