Echuca’s best-on-court for round 10, Holly Chadwick, netted 29 goals to power the Murray Bombers to a tight win over Shepparton. Photo: Aidan Briggs
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Aidan Briggs
Echuca’s A-grade netballers took down Shepparton Bears at Victoria Park on Saturday to push themselves into the top four heading into the back half of the season.
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There was not much separating the sides during the match, which went back and forth throughout the first term, yet the Bears’ 10-goal flurry in the final five minutes gave them the lead at quarter-time, 15-9.
Both teams traded blows, alternating goals within the first 10 minutes of the second quarter, yet Echuca’s attacking duo of Belinda Lees and Holly Chadwick erupted for nine unanswered goals to nudge the Murray Bombers ahead at half-time, 29-25.
It was much of the same in the third, with both teams going back and forth until Shepparton outscored Echuca seven goals to four to end the quarter, leaving the Murray Bombers up by one entering the final stretch.
Echuca did just enough to keep themselves in front for the remainder of the match, clutching a four-point victory from Shepparton at home, the final score being 55-51.
Echuca coach Belinda Lees was happy with her players’ effort. She highlighted the team’s focus on building chemistry as they entered the pointy end of the competition.
Echuca’s centre Stephanie Vick worked hard in the middle all game against Shepparton. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“I think we are starting to build and get some momentum; we get plenty of the ball, and our attacking end is starting to create more connections,” she said.
“We haven’t had everyone together since the start of the season, so we are just trying to connect and enjoy our netball, which we are, so it’s been good.”
Lees also highlighted the development of Echuca’s best-on-court goal shooter, Holly Chadwick, in her first season in A-grade.
“Our goal shooter, Holly Chadwick, is really stepping up; this is her first season in A-grade out of the juniors; she’s thriving and really taking the opportunity, getting better and better every week,” she said.
“She did really well today, especially when I was having a lull.”
Echuca’s wing attack, Lilly Devlin, was key to their offense in round 10. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Despite a well-fought victory, coach Lees still found faults in their game that they will address in training. However, she remains confident in her players regardless of any situation.
“We get plenty of the ball, our defensive end is phenomenal, and we have a relentless desire to play well for each other, so we just need to make sure we convert those opportunities,” she said.
“We stayed in it; they were up six or seven in the first quarter; we are really comfortable in any position.
“Whether we are down or up, we just keep playing, so I think sticking to our game plan under any conditions is vital for us.”
Echuca A-grade will face 11th-placed Kyabram at home next week.
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