On the ball: Ash Hansen finds space. Photo: Wayne Herring.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Anyone who has come face to face with a swan protecting its nest will know how ferocious it can be.
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On Saturday afternoon, the Swans’ A grade netball side knew a loss to Undera in the KDL would put a massive dent in its charge for a finals berth.
Protecting their home, Avenel looked more than convincing and downed the Lions 65 to 38.
One-handed: Courtney Carroll collects a pass. Photo: Wayne Herring.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
Co-coach Niki Lord was impressed with how her team had been clearing the hurdles put in front of it.
“We definitely weren’t going in cocky that we were going to have a win, but we had faith in each other and that’s what got us the win in the end,” Lord said.
“I think from the start of the season, going round again, we weren’t confident that we were going to win, we just sort of have to improve each week as the season goes on.
“I’m confident that we can get there (to finals) but I think with the way that our season has been, the term mathematically (still in it) keeps coming into my brain, so we do have a lot of what ifs.
“Stanhope, Merrigum and Violet Town are all above us, so unfortunately we do have a lot of, if they win this game or if they lose that game (on our minds).
“We just want to finish off the season strong, so we’re just going out with a bang.”
Calm and collected: Avenel goal shooter Ash Hansen takes aim at another goal. Photo: Wayne Herring.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
It was a relatively evenly matched game on court but what separated the sides was shooting efficiency, with goal shooter and co-coach Ashley Hansen awarded best-on.
Close behind her in terms of best player on court, with a solid performance in centre, was Courtney Carroll.
The high defensive pressure from both teams made for a game with high turnover and intercept rates in midfield.
The Swans capitalised on their chances as Hansen looked as if she could score from anywhere.
While the chemistry of Lord and Hansen was electric up front for the Swans, the side’s defensive efforts have to be recognised — they worked hard to put Undera off when shooting in the first half.
The Lions rectified their shooting efficiency in the second half but it was to no avail, as the Swans had a 16-goal lead at three-quarter time and had extended that to 27 by the full-time whistle.
The win keeps Avenel within touching distance of the top eight, with the only percentage denying it eighth place over Stanhope after local rival Nagambie beat Stanhope 41 to 51.
In a finals berth showdown, Merrigum beat Violet Town 56 to 42 to leave the Towners only two points clear of the chasing pack.
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