Redan continues to march towards finals

REDAN has continued its giant-killing run in the lead-up to BFNL finals, with a nine-goal win over Lake Wendouree at City Oval last Saturday.

In what may prove a crucial dress rehearsal for the first week of finals, the Lions beat the Lakers for the second time this season, helping keep North Ballarat at bay in the race for third spot.

The Lions laid the foundations for their 38-29 win with a dominant 12-7 second quarter.

The seven-goal half-time margin was built as much on defence as attack, with the duo of Erin Riley and Ash Smith at their stifling and rebounding best.

Lake Wendouree was able to draw within five goals a couple of times in the third quarter, but with Kathryn O’Dwyer in control in the midcourt and their rotation of shooters posing problems for the Lakers, the Lions had all the answers.

Their convincing win gave the Lions three consecutive wins over finals-bound opponents and five wins on the trot.

A massive August for Redan has included the scalps of second-placed Darley, fourth-placed North Ballarat and sixth-placed Lake Wendouree.

The Lions’ three-goal victory over the Roosters in round 16 sent the Roosters flying from third spot to fourth.

They will retain it with a round 18 victory over Ballarat, which is yet to break through for a win this season.

Redan playing coach Smith praised her side’s gritty performance against a spirited Lakers.

“They were definitely clicking at our heels the whole game and are definitely still not to be underestimated,” she said.

“Come finals, they definitely have the capabilities to dominate the teams above them on the ladder.”

Smith viewed the win as another positive step in their preparation for an exciting finals series.

“(Saturday) was our first day with our full squad back, injury-free,” she said.

“We had 10 players on the list, which was good, and it was good to get the rotations happening.

“Our defensive pressure was probably the best it’s ever been.

“We held balls and just the constant pressure all the way from attack through to defence on a turnover was amazing.

“We knew we were going to use our zone-style defence from the start, but apart from that, it was about playing simple netball.”

Redan looks as prepared as any team for the rigours of a finals series, hardened by quality hit-outs and impressive form against the likes of Darley and North Ballarat.

Looking at the teams around them on the ladder, the Lions are 1-1 against Darley this season, have beaten North Ballarat and Lake Wendouree twice.

The only teams they haven’t beaten are top-of-the-ladder Sunbury and surprisingly Bacchus Marsh, albeit the margins against the Cobras were only one goal both times.

They got within four goals of Sunbury in their first meeting on Good Friday.

Restricting a team like Lake Wendouree to just 29 goals speaks volumes of their defensive capabilities,

Smith believed the last five weeks had cemented confidence and belief in the playing group.

“Hopefully we can action that come finals,” she said.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve come close to finishing third, so it’s really exciting.”

North Ballarat kept its hopes of a third-place finish flickering with a hard-fought win over Sebastopol at Mars Stadium.

The Roosters were well tested by the Burra, who matched it with the home side for three quarters.

A 17-8 second quarter by the Roosters, after they led by four goals at quarter-time, proved the difference in a 56-42 win.

Maddy Selmon led the Roosters with 48 goals from 52 attempts.

At the other end of the court, Adut Manyiel starred for the Burra with 32 goals.

If the Roosters are to regain third sport ahead of finals, they will need to find a way past Darley this weekend.

Sebastopol’s season will come to an end following this Saturday’s clash against fifth-placed Bacchus Marsh.

Round 17 recap: Bacchus Marsh 33 lost to Sunbury 86; East Point 28 lost to Darley 42; Melton 53 defeated Ballarat 45; North Ballarat 56 defeated Sebastopol 42; Redan 38 defeated Lake Wendouree 29.

Round 18: Ballarat v Redan; Darley v North Ballarat; Lake Wendouree v East Point; Sebastopol v Bacchus Marsh; Sunbury v Melton.