Division 1 of the Victorian Netball League lived up to the hype with Round 2 delivering the goods in terms of intensity and closeness on the scoreboard.
Division 1:
North East Blaze (50) defeated Boroondara Express (48)
Melbourne University Lightning (48) defeated by Hawks Netball (51)
Ariels (45) defeated by Casey Demons (54)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (45) drew with Peninsula Waves (45)
After a blistering start the North East Blaze showcased their grit and determination to hang on in a nailbiter. The attacking efforts of Kaylah Loulanting set tongues wagging with the talented goaler imposing her cool and calm nature on the scoreboard.
Loulanting’s athleticism and dare helped steer the ship in attack while Olivia Ellis led the side’s defensive efforts, the wing defence rallying the troops through the midcourt.
Despite passages of brilliance from Boroondara Express they were unable to ramp up the intensity in the final term. Chelsea Sartori was on fire through the centre with her drive and strength as Tiahnee Farrell also stood up in both goal attack and goal shooter.
Division 1 captain from the Blaze, Sam Coppinger had plenty of words of encouragement post-game, touting the side’s intensity and toughness to secure the win.
“It was a really tough hit out, Express are always a really strong team and they have been for the last few years. We always knew that it would be really tough but it was just up and back the whole game,” she said.
“I think just knowing that we have done the work in the pre-season, it’s been a very long pre-season. You just need to keep finding another gear.”
One of the main positives from the game according to Coppinger was her side’s ability to stand up to pressure.
“We were challenged, and we were able to still push on and come up with the win. I think we were down in the third quarter and then to turn that around and get back up is really good. We’ve got a lot of young girls so it was really nice to come away with that win.”
When asked about how the Blaze managed to stay focused and composed in the dying minutes of the game, Coppinger highlighted the importance of structure.
“I think just making sure that we go back to those basics and stick to our game plan - not getting caught up in all the hype. If we just follow our game plan and do what we set out there to do we know we’ll be okay.”
North East Blaze will lock horns with Geelong Cougars next week in what is set to be a thriller, and while they got the win this round, they are keen on ironing out those kinks to really impose themselves on the rest of the competition.
“We know there’s a fair bit we want to work on from that game, we’ll just keep working on our game plan. It’s still only very early, there’s a long way to go. We just want to keep working as a group and build that unit again.”
19 & Under
North East Blaze (46) defeated Boroondara Express (29)
Melbourne University Lightning (45) defeated Hawks Netball (53)
Ariels (36) defeated by Casey Demons (63)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (46) defeated by Peninsula Waves (51)
Casey Demons secured a drought breaking win recording their first victory in the 19/Under division against Ariels. It was a one-sided affair with the Demons making all the running and putting their best foot forward credit to some impressive attacking work from goal shooter Myah Healey.
Over on court six the contest between North East Blaze and Boroondara Express was tight to begin with before the Blaze wrestled back some control. It was a spectacle filled with raw talent and excitement as the players threw their body on the line to win the ball and take out the victory.
Tara Watson grew with stature as the game went on while Olivia Cawthry impressed in goal shooter, using her height and body positioning to dictate the space. For Express the workload of Lucy Bult impressed as she worked in overdrive to secure prime position while Teah Wilson was strong inside the circle.
The final game of the round is set to be played on Saturday in Geelong with the Cougars hosting City West Falcons in what is set to be a thriller.
Championship results here
