Sport
10 April, 2023
Dunolly snatches opening round netball clash
MALDON (27) def by DUNOLLY (28) Dunolly took out a closely-fought contest against Maldon, starting their 2023 off in perfect fashion with a one-goal victory. After finishing 13th in 2022, the Eagles will see this win as a big scalp, given Maldon’s...
MALDON (27) def by DUNOLLY (28)
Dunolly took out a closely-fought contest against Maldon, starting their 2023 off in perfect fashion with a one-goal victory.
After finishing 13th in 2022, the Eagles will see this win as a big scalp, given Maldon’s appearance in the finals last season, and it was a big tick for new coach Ash Lierich.
In treacherous conditions, Maldon enjoyed the better start, and were able to generate scoring opportunities through both goal scorer Morgan Walker and goal attack Zoe Backway. They combined for eight goals from 12 shots.
In comparison, all of Dunolly’s scoring in the first quarter was done through goal scorer Zoe Alridge, who scored seven goals from 10 shots to keep the Eagles in check.
The second quarter was a little bit more free-flowing, with both teams enjoying more shots on goal as the conditions started to improve a little bit.
The Eagles started to generate better movement through the mid-court, with centre Serena Lafranchi and wing attack Matisse Nelson delivering well to both Aldridge and goal attack Jess Donaldson. Aldridge would score six goals, and Donaldson three, while at the other end, Walker and Backway would score four apiece from 15 shots to ensure scores would be level at the main break.
As the heavens opened again between the second and third quarters, the Dons made some significant changes to their lineup, bringing on Claire Hamilton to give the Dons more height defensively, while shifting Theresa Buchanan from goal defence to goal attack.
Ainsley Taft was also brought on for some extra run, while Taige Weir shifted from centre to wing attack.
In a tight third quarter, neither team was able to break away. Despite enjoying the better of the play, Dunolly were only able to score five goals from 14 shots, while Maldon were a little more economical, scoring six from 11, taking a 22-21 lead into the final change.
The last quarter continued the theme of the game, in that it was a struggle to move the ball given the tough conditions, with the rain continuing to intensify.
But the Eagles made the most important move of the game, scoring seven of the first nine goals of the quarter to open up a four-goal lead with just a couple of minutes to go.
Despite Maldon scoring three quick goals, the Eagles were able to hold on for an important season-opening victory, scoring 28 goals to 27.
Leah Davis, working together with Lierich, had a great battle with Walker, and wore her down in the second half after making a promising start to the game with nine goals in the first half, while Aldridge scored 24 of the Eagles’ 28 goals.
Buchanan provided good drive for Maldon’s offence in the second half, scoring eight goals, while Hamilton was also impressive in her second-half appearance, taking in greater confidence after winning the best-on-court medallion in the Dons’ 17 and under premiership success last season.
The Dons will now be out to bounce back when they host Campbells Creek, while Dunolly will travel to Natte Bealiba to take on the reigning premiers, who will unfurl their premiership flag.
