In a match that showcased the contrasting fortunes of two teams in the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball ranks, Mooroopna emerged victorious over Benalla with a convincing 58-14 win at Benalla Showgrounds in its round 12 clash.
From the first whistle, Mooroopna demonstrated why it is one of the league’s premier teams.
The Cats set the tone early, scoring the opening goal within the first minute, which was quickly followed by a barrage of scores.
By the end of the first quarter, Mooroopna had surged to a commanding 19-3 lead, leaving Benalla scrambling to find its footing, according to Saints coach Jo Toms.
“It was another tough day out,” Toms said.
“Mooroopna are an absolute class act; they’ve had years of growth and development at their club, and it just shows.
“They’ve shaped and developed their guys through their juniors; they’re a great club.”
The second quarter saw Mooroopna continue its dominance.
Benalla’s defence, led by Megan Morrison and Jacqueline Foster, was under constant pressure and couldn’t contain Mooroopna’s well-coordinated attacks.
By halftime, the score had ballooned to 33-7, with Mooroopna firmly in control, but Toms was still able to find the positives at the halftime address.
“We were playing with one shooter with pneumonia, attackers playing as shooters and defenders playing as attackers,” she said.
“If we had a little bit of consistency with shooting and our attempts, the scoreline wouldn’t have looked as bad.
“It’s a shame it took us until halftime until we were able to hit the scoreboard, but again, it was another improvement on our first match against them.”
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Benalla's Jo Toms stops and props. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 2 of 8
Benalla's Sarah Osborne finds space. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 3 of 8
Benalla's Megan Morrison works hard while defending. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 4 of 8
Benalla's Ella Sheehan watches teammate Natalie Pritchard go for goal. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 5 of 8
Benalla's Megan Morrison worked tirelessly all game. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 6 of 8
Benalla's Natalie Pritchard attempts to block her opponent. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 7 of 8
Benalla's Megan Morrison defends Mooroopna's Ash Lancaster. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 8 of 8
Benalla's Jacqueline Foster flies through the air. Photo by Brenden PaddockDespite some spirited attempts by goal shooter Ella Sheehan, who scored several goals in the third quarter, Benalla was unable to mount a comeback.
The third quarter ended with Mooroopna leading 46-10, effectively sealing the outcome.
When asked about the defensive improvement in each quarter, coach Toms gave a glowing review of her defenders.
“Our defenders stood tall,” she said.
“Our best on-court featured defenders on the day.
“Meg Morrison had a wonderful game.
“It took her a while to get into it, but she was quite forceful with her leadership.”
Benalla also welcomed Sarah Osborne back into the team this week after missing the past four games.
“(Osborne) got thrown into attack from her usual position at centre; it really helped open up that circle for us,” she said.
“She did a wonderful job; it’s not easy coming back from four to five weeks off and getting thrown into a different position.”
Benalla hits the road next week to face a ninth-placed Rochester, hoping these improvements are on full display, with the team’s first win of the season in the Saints’ sights.
“Honestly, we look at every week as our potential first win; whether it’s a team at the top of the ladder or in the bottom half, we fight hard every week,” she said.
That fight and perseverance will next be on show at Rochester Recreation Reserve on Saturday as the team moves on with their season, looking to steal a victory on the road.