For the second week in a row, the Eagles come out on top in a one-point thriller as they defeated Rumbalara.
When the pressure was at its greatest, United absorbed it all as a they were spurred on by the home crowd.
‘‘In those situations it’s often out of your hands as a coach,’’ Lisa Drysdale said.
‘‘Some things you just can’t teach, having a cool head is one of them.
‘‘It’s so comforting to know the girls can handle themselves so well under that pressure.’’
Close games often have game changing moments, this was no different.
Liv Boylan, who had been promoted from B grade, was at the centre of the action.
In just two quarters of action, she swung the momentum in her side’s favour.
‘‘Liv brought a different dynamic to mid-court,’’ Drysdale explained.
‘‘Her presence on the court lifted the other girls.
‘‘She worked hard to earn her spot in the team and she repaid the faith.’’
In a game where Rumbalara brought their usual physical presence, the Eagles kept their composure at vital times.
They refused to give the ball away cheaply, playing smart passes.
‘‘Our girls have shown great court smarts so far this season,’’ Drysdale said.
‘‘They’re learning along the way and you can see the difference from week to week.’’
The Eagles haven’t been handed a kind start to the season, with games against last season’s grand finalists in Deni and preliminary finalists Rumba.
But the fixture lists becomes even more difficult as they prepare to face Moama on Good Friday.
‘‘They are the benchmark and that’s where everyone wants to be,’’ Drysdale said.
‘‘It’s certainly going to be a fantastic game.
‘‘We know the challenge that is in front of us, but we want to test ourselves against the best.
‘‘With local bragging rights at stake, a win would be that much sweeter.’’
The Magpies will host the clash between the two sides at Jack Eddy Oval.
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