Shepparton Swans were vintage in execution to exact their first win of the 2023 Goulburn Valley League season, toppling Mansfield by 18 goals to mark a sunny return to Princess Park.
The Swans were synergetic in the way they went about business, bereft of error as they spurred on from two losses, albeit narrow, to clinch an important four points at home.
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Passing out: Mansfield’s Emily Hutchins. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 2 of 6
Options: Swans’ Tayla Clohesy. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 3 of 6
Angling in: Mansfield’s Isabel Anderson. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 4 of 6
Going long: Swans’ Sophie Garner. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 5 of 6
Moving out: Swans’ Shinea Sali. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 6 of 6
Pass and move: Swans’ Tayla Clohesy. Photo by Max StainkamphCoach Courtney Simpson was elated at how her new group turned the cogs to get the home fans smiling.
“I thought we played a really good, solid four quarters of netball,” she said.
“It was definitely great to be back here and to have our first win as a new group was really important.
“I thought we put enough pressure on them to turn the ball over, but what was great is the way we controlled the ball when we had it and converted.”
The Swans were on it from the start, with Hannah Garner marshalling the defensive ring and building from the back, while Chelsea McDonald held things down in the offensive end.
Simpson’s side held a 13-8 advantage at the break, though Mansfield would edge closer in the second term.
Eagles’ midcourters Darcy Croxford-Demasi and Bella Riley worked tirelessly and exhibited textbook footwork, but the ball would not pass through the hoop with enough efficiency to startle the Swans.
Swan Harriet Gall – fresh off a stint at the National Championships – made her presence known and looked mature beyond her years to run Mansfield’s defence ragged, with the home side building on its 16-goal lead at three-quarter time to seal a 46-28 win.
Simpson heaped praise on her side’s defensive effort, stating the efforts of Garner were instrumental during the victory.
“Hannah Garner was incredible for us, to be honest she’s had three incredible games in a row for us,” she said.
“She really shuts down that defensive end and circle, but the way she attacks out is really important for us.
“She’s a bit of a barometer for us, when she’s on everyone lifts to her standards.”
At Deakin Reserve, Mooroopna continued its perfect start to the season with a resounding 26-goal win over Shepparton United.
The Cats were ruthless to notch their third win on the spin, running out to a 50-24 victory to see them head the table alongside Seymour and Tatura.
Tatura was on song away at Benalla, clinching a 53-20 victory, while Seymour held firm at Kings Park to snare a 57-42 victory over Euroa.
Elsewhere, Shepparton got the job done 51-35 over Kyabram, while Echuca held off a late flurry from Rochester to take home a three-goal win.