Tara Murray
The future is bright for Melton Centrals after winning the battle of the young guns against the Western Rams in the Riddell District Netball League.
The Centrals had one of their best performances of the season to come away with a 41-36 win, after leading by 13 goals at three quarter time.
Coach Randy Pereira said it had been a really good match.
“We were 13 goals up at three quarter time, but we had a bit of an ordinary last quarter,” he said.
“The girls like to do cross court passes, but they get picked off by the good teams. The conditions forced us to go down the court and it worked well.
“The Rams dug deep, but we were able to hold on.”
Emma Winzar scored 25 goals for the Rams, while Lauren Creed discord 16 goals.
Pereira said it was a couple of the younger girls who have come into the side in recent weeks that impressed him most in Avana Hobson and Mariah Vankerkvoort.
He said Vankerkvoort, who has joined the club after returning from a serious knee injury, has an old head on a young boy and was able to beat several opponents in centre.
Hobson controlled the defensive end for the Centrals.
The win is their fourth for the season. With most of their group under the age of 21, there’s bright signs for the future.
Pereira said the group just needed to build some consistency and back themselves in.
“When they make a mistake they get gun shy and start making the same mistakes,” he said.
“Everyone makes mistakes and no one plays a perfect game. You have to keep going.
“Against Riddell we didn’t score in the first quarter, but then at half time it was 12-10 and we keep them to two goals.
“It’s a young team and they’re still learning.”
Pereira said they needed to add another couple of players next season, to provide a little bit of experience.
He said the group hadn’t been helped by injuries and illness, having had a different side take to the court each week.
Centrals face Woodend-Hesket this week. The Hawks had the bye on the weekend.
“It will be a tough one with Woodend wanting to get back into the top two,” he said.
In other results, Diggers Rest was way too strong for Romsey, winning 75-21.
Amy Starzer shot 46 goals for the Burras, while Alexandra Ball shot 29 goals.
Lancefield almost caused a massive upset against Wallan.
The Tigers led for much of the day including by five goals at three quarter time.
The Magpies found something extra in the last quarter to win, 36-35. Chloe Meulenmeesters shot 32 goals for the Magpies.
Ladder leaders Macedon beat Riddell, 52-35. Chloe Wilson shot 25 goals for the Cats.
