A dominant second half helped Panton Hill 1 claim an important 11-goal win over Bundoora 5 at RMIT University, helping the side keep their Section 6 finals hopes alive.
The Redbacks led by two goals at the main break before scoring 20 goals to 11 in the final two terms to triumph 33-22 and bounce back from a two-game losing streak in the NFNL winter netball competition.
Panton Hill now enter the top four with one round remaining, but the three teams currently behind them on the ladder all have the same record, meaning their clash against one of those sides next week in St Mary’s 1, could decide which team makes up the final spot in the top four.
Bundoora meanwhile dropped two games behind the chasing pack following the defeat.
Some fearless passing from Stephanie Jansen gave the Redbacks all the confidence they needed to get the victory. She brought her defensive prowess into the attacking third and produced plenty of energy while never backing down from any challenge presented to her.
Brooke Ryan (17 goals) was also a menace in the shooting circle, not being afraid to go to the post or pass it off to Alex Carlin (16 goals) who had a strong hold and was able to position herself well all around the goal circle.
Ryan’s timing in the attacking circle was a point of difference in the game, with her slick shooting allowing Panton Hill to extend their advantage throughout the second half.
The full court defence from the Redbacks was also standout throughout the match, blocking out the middle channel and forcing the Bulls attackers to go wide and attempt more difficult shots.
Monique Latorre had a great battle with Bulls shooter Paige Minutoli, as the Redbacks defender grabbed numerous rebounds and deflections by using her footwork to get around the body and win ball cleanly.
Although the margin blew out in the final two quarters, Bundoora still produced some great moments and showed signs of competitiveness throughout the match.
Minutioli quickly came to light in the second half with her movements in the attacking third. Finishing with 13 of her side’s 22 goals, a season high.
She was constantly punching up the middle of the third to release the pressure in the Bulls attack end then quickly driving back into the circle where there was free space on some occasions.
Meanwhile the change of Simone Lyons (eight goals) into the shooting circle for Bundoora proved to be a brilliant move, as her electric speed allowed her to also register a season-high goal tally.
Her signature movement on the baseline drive was excellent, as her closing speed was flawless.
This was highlighted in a particular moment during the match in which Lyons made the same play three times in a row and scored off every one of them. Those goals also came thanks to great feeding from Lara Willoughby who had an outstanding performance in the midcourt for Bundoora.
