Swans’ strong opening not enough to win

By Meg Saultry

Jul 11, 2019

A strong opening quarter from Avenel wasn’t enough to stifle a stronger Shepparton East on Saturday, with the Eagles running over the top of the Swans in the second and fourth quarter to come out 22-goal winners at Central Park Recreation Reserve.

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The 57-35 loss was the Swans’ third straight loss, following defeats to top-of-the-table Tallygaroopna and Undera.

The Swans were in fine touch in the opening term and led by one goal. But it was an 18-7 second quarter effort from the Eagles that gave the home side a 10-goal lead at half-time.

The Swans rallied in the third term, keeping up with the Eagles to go almost goal for goal, but another lapse of concentration in the final term which saw the Eagles outscore the Swans 15-6 meant Shepparton East won comfortably.

Avenel is 10th on the Kyabram District Netball League ladder ahead of the split round bye this weekend, with a 4-7 win-loss record. The club sits two games out of the top six, with six home-and-away games still to play.

The Swans’ next challenge will be 12th-placed Rushworth on July 20, which will be the perfect opportunity for the Swans to end their streak and get back on the winners’ list.

●In the Swans’ earlier matches, C-grade lost by nine goals, the under-17s won by two goals, the under-15s prevailed by six goals and the under-13s won by 20 goals.

●Despite the split round, Avenel’s under-17 and under-13 sides will play Lancaster next weekend.