Star of the show: Maddison Wong dominated in defence for Mooroopna.
Photo by
Zac Standish
The plot that is the top tier of the GVL A-grade netball table continues to thicken, as Mooroopna secured a thrilling 36-33 victory over an in-form Euroa on Saturday afternoon.
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Greeted by light rain and gloomy skies at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, it was always going to be a defensive slog with the pressure from both teams dialled up to the maximum.
Having a look: Euroa’s Kellie Davidson with ball in hand.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Making headlines after a stunning upset win over Shepparton United the previous week, Euroa was without boom recruits Bridget Hill and Emily Andrew for the road trip, while coach Ellie Warnock went down injured in the first term.
The Cats were also depleted, missing star defender Ash Lancaster, Elle Brooks and Genna Ogier.
Pushing the tempo: Mooroopna mid-courter Bree Hanslow.
Photo by
Zac Standish
But the missing star power didn’t take anything away from the contest, as Mooroopna got away to an early lead, before the visiting Magpies reeled it in through the second half.
Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow said it was a major relief to come away with the three-goal win.
“To get a win out of today is really pleasing. Both sides were missing players, but to get over the line with the group we had is a really positive sign,” Hanslow said.
Getting a shot up: Mooroopna’s Jazmin Clark aims at the goal.
Photo by
Zac Standish
“I thought our defence just did a fantastic job and turned over so much ball for us.
“All the way through our attack end I thought we were a bit panicked and gave up the ball, but overall, still very happy with the victory.”
Determination: Euroa’s Caitlyn Elliott lets go of a pass.
Photo by
Zac Standish
With defence being the flavour of the day, it was fitting that an effort from star goal-keeper Maddison Wong sealed the victory for the Cats, as she willed her way to a rebound that stopped Euroa from getting within one score.
Hanslow detailed what was a frantic final quarter watching from the sidelines.
Up for grabs: Mooroopna and Euroa players fight for the ball.
Photo by
Zac Standish
“That last quarter probably showed our lack of composure through our attack, because we were giving it away way too easily,” she said.
“I thought this would be a bit tragic if we lose this after being up all day, but again it was our defence that stood up.
On the move: Euroa’s Eliza Hoare takes possession.
Photo by
Zac Standish
“Maddi’s efforts really made the difference in the game, with that particular defensive rebound probably winning us the game.”
Around the courts, Shepparton Swans doubled their wins tally with a spirited 41-35 triumph over Rochester at Moon Oval.
Locked in: Euroa’s Bree Poole.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Echuca responded from its first loss of the season last week with a dominant 74-46 win over Shepparton.
Seymour ground out a tight 43-35 win on the road against Kyabram.
Dependable: Euroa coach Ellie Warnock.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Shepparton United celebrated coach Kara Blizzard’s 300th game in fine style, triumphing over Benalla 67-40 at Deakin Reserve.
Tatura rounded out the weekend’s action with a comfortable 45-21 win in the High Country against Mansfield.
Solid as a rock: Mooroopna’s Maddison Wong
Photo by
Zac Standish
In control: Mooroopna’s Sarah Bohn.
Photo by
Zac Standish
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