Lions make statement in win over Roosters

REDAN’S BFNL A-grade netball drought against North Ballarat is finally over, after the Lions stunned the powerhouse Roosters at City Oval last Saturday.

The Lions overtook the Roosters in fourth spot with an ultra-impressive 56-40 victory on their home court.

It was the Lions’ first A-grade win against the Roosters in 10 years and was led by standout efforts from defenders Erin Riley and Ashlee Smith and goal shooter Eva Manserra (32 goals).

The foundations for the Lions’ statement making win were laid in a breathtaking 18-11 second quarter that helped them turn a two-goal quarter-time deficit into a five-goal half-time lead.

Carrying their momentum into the second half, the Lions outscored the Roosters 28-17 to seal a watershed win.

Playing coach Smith admitted being pleasantly surprised by the 16-goal margin.

“North have a very strong attack set-up and are always a tough battle,” she said.

“Our young ones in attack (Manserra and Tahlia Thompson) definitely stepped up, which I was very happy with, but it was very much a whole team effort.

“We came in wanting to win and really showed that.

 

“We have very strong connections and we definitely have a chemistry among us this year. There is a friendship level, but I feel that plays into our game.”

Smith said she was thrilled with her side’s early season progress and four wins.

“We are tracking very well at this point of the season,” she said.

“We have a tough game against Darley (this) week.

“If I am being honest, no game has been the same for us this year. What worked (last Saturday) might not work this week.

“That’s how it has gone for us so far.”

The Lions can count themselves unlucky not to be better placed than 4-2.

 

They finished within four goals of ladder leaders Sunbury in their Good Friday clash and only lost their round three encounter against Bacchus Marsh by one goal on appeal.

Goal keeper Riley was adjudged best on court by the umpires as part of indigenous round.

Her and Smith will again have key roles to play on Saturday against the Devils, who like North Ballarat, boast a prolific scoring unit.

Darley (4-1-1) will enter round seven in second spot, courtesy of a win over Sebastopol and Lake Wendouree’s 19-goal loss to Sunbury.

North Ballarat coach Annie McCartin said the Roosters would be eager to atone this Saturday against the Lakers, who will also be on the rebound.

“We started off well, but Redan applied a lot of pressure through the midcourt,” she said.

“I thought we were working through that, but then they were able to shut down our drive.

 

“Credit to them, they moved the ball nicely. It was just one of those days at the office for us.

“We’ll regroup and get back on track, but it will be a challenge. Lake Wendouree have had a fair bit of momentum going.”

The clash at Mars Stadium continues a tough month for the Roosters, which concludes with a May 31 encounter against Darley.

Goal attack Poppy Douglass was the standout for the Roosters against Redan.

Round 6 recap: Bacchus Marsh 53 def Ballarat 33; East Point 62 def Melton 22; Lake Wendouree 47 lost to Sunbury 66; Redan 56 def North Ballarat 40; Sebastopol 28 lost to Darley 60.

Round 7: Ballarat v East Point, Melton v Bacchus Marsh, Darley v Redan, North Ballarat v Lake Wendouree, Sunbury v Sebastopol.