Fitzroy Stars 1 moved one step closer to securing a finals berth in the 2024 Cleaning Melbourne Division 1 winter netball competition, defeating Bundoora 1 by 13 goals in the inaugural netball NAIDOC game at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
After scores were level at the end of the first quarter, the Stars broke away in the second term, and increased their lead throughout the match on their way to prevailing 49-36.
The Stars now have a three-game gap on the bottom three sides of the competition with four games remaining, however they only play one of those teams in the final four matches of the regular campaign.
Tilly Shepherd finished with the NAIDOC Medal after an outstanding display as goal keeper. Her constant pressure on the Bundoora attacking players, as well as her brilliant intercepting skills always kept the Stars in control, and ensured Bundoora never got close enough to threaten her side’s lead after quarter time.
Samantha McKissack (23 goals) and Atelini Seeto (24) combined for all but two of their side’s total goals for the night and were influential in the attacking circle all evening.
After her move to wing attack in the second term, Brigitte Linares was another who played a big role in her side’s winning result.
Emily Williams finished with 17 goals for Bundoora in another solid showing in goal attack, while Deanna Cooper was a standout when placed at goal defence and centre during the second and third terms respectively.
Fitzroy Stars got things going from the opening whistle, scoring the first three goals of the match before the Bulls started to find their flow in attack.
Lauren Hubbard was an important player for Bundoora, helping keep things level with their opponents throughout the first term.
Each side registered nine goals by quarter time and couldn’t be split early.
As the second term commenced, the Stars kicked it up a gear and started to put more pressure on the Bulls’ defence.
Linares was particularly impressive in this quarter, as her quick ball movement created plenty of opportunities inside the attacking circle for McKissack and Seeto, with the latter scoring eight of the Stars’ 12 second term goals.
The Bulls were kept to just six goals in the same quarter, led by Shepherd’s excellent defensive efforts. The Fitzroy Stars’ patience when in possession helped them take a six-goal lead into half time.
Bundoora showcased more promising passages of play throughout the third term and were able to reduce the deficit midway through the quarter after knocking down four straight goals.
But the Stars again steadied the ship, and off the back of a massive 12-goal term from McKissack, they held a 12-goal advantage into the last quarter.
A high-scoring final term followed, with a fast-paced contest providing many highlights from both sides.
Anita North was terrific at centre for the Stars, getting to all the right spots to push her team forward, while Bundoora were more efficient in going from defence to attack, finishing the term with a game-high 13-goal quarter.
However, the Stars were still able to win the term again, thanks to more wonderful efforts from Shepherd in the defensive circle, solidifying an excellent 13-goal win.
