Burra in box seat for finals after key win over Swans

AN in-form and close-knit Sebastopol has put some separation between itself and some key rivals in the battle for finals spots in BFNL A-grade netball.

The fifth-placed Burra moved eight points clear of Ballarat in sixth spot following a gutsy two-goal victory over the Swans at Marty Busch Reserve last Saturday.

Despite trailing by four goals midway through the second quarter, the Burra were gradually able to work their way to the lead by three-quarter-time, before holding on against a young and persistent Swans in a battle between the league’s two biggest improvers.

The win continued a five-game unbeaten streak by the Burra, underpinned by four wins and a draw against second-placed North Ballarat.

Their second win this season over Ballarat, combined with a Bacchus Marsh loss to North Ballarat, has the Burra primed to contest finals for the first time since 2023, when they were eliminated in the first week by Redan despite finishing one spot above the Lions at the end of the regular season.

 

Just as importantly for a team with aspirations of climbing higher, the Burra remained level on 30 points with Sunbury, which defeated Redan 53-39, and four points below third-placed Lake Wendouree, which had to fight hard for a 66-60 victory over bottom side Melton at Macpherson Park.

With goal keeper Alice Kain on restricted game time due to VNL commitments the following day with Bendigo Strikers and Taylor Finch away for the clash, Burra coach Kiya Eberle was resigned to not having momentum go their way all game.

“Nevertheless, I thought we played really consistently … the margin never got out beyond four (goals) the whole game,” she said.

“We wanted to work hard on the things we could control on court, particularly our defensive pressure.

“It’s a fine balance, but the girls had a bit of fun out there, which is what we are here for, and did fix a few of their problems.”

 

Among the most impressive features of the win for Eberle was her players’ fight and willingness to work their way through some tough patches.

“It was a real gritty game of netball, but it was good to see us use some of the tools in our toolkit to work through that,” she said.

“We knew it was going to be physical and we knew they had some really great defence.

“Their goal defence (Finn Mckeagney-Stubbs) in particular has really great hands and is a tough match-up.

“We realised conditions weren’t ideal for shooting, but it was a chance for us just to keep working on our game and get an important W to cement our spot on the ladder.

“We feel like things are really coming together and we’re feeling really good about our netball.

“The vibe around the girls is great and we are proud of how hard we are working.”

Despite the wet and icy conditions, goaler Laura Bell (18 goals) stood out with her sure hands, silky movement and experience, combining solidly with Adut Manyiel (20 goals) in the circle.

 

Georgette Paatsch, on loan from Geelong league club St Joseph’s, was a rock in defence, while Tahlia Watts was strong through centre.

The Burra will look to further consolidate their spot in the six against Redan at City Oval, with the Lions looking for an upset in a bid to notch up their second win of the season.

Eberle said, as always, there were things for her side to work on.

“Obviously our transition when we do lose possession needs some work and our decision-making at times,” she said.

“We’ve always got room to work on that.”

Meanwhile, top pair Darley and North Ballarat both had handy wins.

Darley, with Olivia Cawthray shooting 43 goals and Akira McCormack 20, defeated East Point 64-27.

North Ballarat, led by Maddy Selmon (36 goals), overcame a brave Bacchus Marsh 46-31 at Mars Stadium.

Round 13 draw: East Point v North Ballarat; Darley v Bacchus Marsh; Lake Wendouree v Ballarat; Melton v Sunbury; Redan v Sebastopol.