Border Mail | A DEADLY accurate Wodonga Bulldogs have survived a spirited Wangaratta to remain undefeated and a game clear at the top of the Ovens and Murray netball ladder.
The Bulldogs shooters missed just four of their attempts in the 62-57 win at Martin Park on Saturday.
Goal attack Rebecca Cameron didn’t miss with 21 from 21, her shooting partners Kylie Murphy in the first half, and Jane Cook in the second, missed just two shots each.
In the end that accuracy and a number of key intercepts from defender Rebecca Evans delivered a final margin that was as big as it got during a clash where the Magpies drew level and were within a goal for much of the third quarter.
Wangaratta’s speed in the mid-court was a constant threat with first-year A grade goal shooter Amanda Umanski a target in the goal ring and a foil to the speed of shooting partner Sarah Hooper.
Coach Louise Byrne was taking heart out of her side’s fighting spirit.
“This team is undefeated and our girls kept on coming right until the end, we rose to the challenge and refused to go away,” she said.
“We’re small and fast and that is our strength through the mid-court and Sarah Hooper at goal attack is quick as well, Amanda Umanski in only her second year of Ovens and Murray netball did a great job.
“In the end just a couple of turnovers going our way and we would have been right in it.”
Wodonga coach Liona Edwards was just happy to come away with the four points.
“We had two tough games against them last year and with 12 months more experience in O and M they really pushed us,” she said.
“Kylie Murphy started on the strength of her performance last week and then Jane came on at the break and gave us another dimension.
“Bec Evans came on and had a great second half as well and pulled off some crucial intercepts in the last couple of minutes, Anna Avery at centre was good.”
Edwards expects Wangaratta will be part of finals action.
“They are a quick side and you don’t want to turn the ball over because you turn around and it’s down the other end — they are young, they’re quick and most importantly they don’t give up,” she said.
“They get a lot of tips, a lot of intercepts, so your passing has to be good.
“I’d expect them and Albury as the two sides that are likely to make up the top five.”
In other matches, Yarrawonga won a hard-fought contest against Albury 45-34, Wodonga Raiders accounted for Corowa-Rutherglen 50-37, North Albury defeated Myrtle-ford 45-42.
An 18-goal third-quarter proved the difference when second-placed Lavington defeated Wangaratta Rovers at WJ Findlay Oval.
The win sets up a mouth-watering clash with the Dogs in the final game of the first round next Saturday.
“Lavington is the big one next week — we always seem to be playing them in the final round,” Edwards said.
