Roos send ominous warning toflag rivals; stunning Dragons debut

KANGAROO Flat has continued its winning run against the BFNL’s elite, enhancing its premiership credentials with a 15-goal win over Sandhurst under lights at Dower Park last Friday night.

Playing with their full-strength lineup for the first time this season, the top-of-the-ladder Roos stunned the Dragons with a 20-4 first-quarter blitz.

While there would be no coming back from such a heavy deficit, the Dragons showed plenty of heart and resilience to match it with an unbeaten Roos team laden with VNL talent from quarter-time onwards.

A classy 63-48 victory continued Kangaroo Flat’s recent dominance of Sandhurst.

Having lost seven straight games to the Dragons going into last season’s preliminary final, the Roos have now won three in a row against their long-time rival.

It was another bold statement from the Roos, who have now beaten both of their closest two rivals on the ladder – Sandhurst and third-placed Gisborne – twice this season.

While keen not to take their brilliant unbeaten form this season for granted, Roos coach Jayden Cowling could not help but be impressed by his side’s blistering opening quarter against the Dragons.

“Considering we have struggled to beat Sandhurst the last few years, to beat them twice in one season is awesome,” he said.

“I thought our first quarter was outstanding – that really set us up for the rest of the game.

“I can’t remember a better quarter against Sandhurst. To be up 20-4 at quarter-time against a quality top-three team is pretty exceptional.

“Everybody played their role.”

Cowling was comfortable with the final 15-goal margin, fully knowing the Dragons were going to hit back hard after quarter-time.

“Playing Sandhurst, they are a great side and a proud side, they are always going to make things hard for you,” he said.

“We knew they’d make changes.

“I thought Claire McGee coming on at goal shooter was outstanding for them. She was my pick as best on court. She was fantastic.

 

“She is going to be a star of the league for years to come.

“She definitely put her hand up to play A-grade more often this year.”

Even more than the margin, the most pleasing aspect of the win for Cowling was having a full complement of A-grade players at his disposal.

The Roos have often been without goaler Teal Hocking due to Super Netball Reserves commitments with Melbourne Mavericks and have had their core of VNL players on restricted game time.

Key playmaker Ashley Ryan was a standout at wing attack, while Ruby Barkmeyer (29 goals) shone at goal attack for three quarters and at goal shooter in the final term.

In defence, Ingrid Hopkins made a strong impact after coming off the bench late in the second quarter as the Dragons were gaining momentum.

Still a game clear of Gisborne in second spot, having played one less game, Sandhurst coach Tamara Gilchrist was happy with her side’s effort after quarter-time and being able to outscore the Roos in the middle two quarters.

“I was really stoked with the response. The first quarter margin was the result for the game,” she said.

“We know we can’t start like that against a quality side, but it was a good three quarters after that.

“I can’t wait for finals now. I’m so excited to see what we bring after (Friday night).”

The Dragons were without midcourter Meg Williams (overseas) and goal shooter Bec Smith, the latter’s absence paving the way for McGee to step into the lineup.

The 17-year-old gave the Dragons an immediate spark after replacing Kelsey Ralph at goal shooter during the first quarter, finishing with 39 goals.

Gilchrist described it as a dominant debut.

“Bec Smith is pretty irreplaceable, but to have Claire McGee come in and shoot the lights out was amazing and exciting,” she said.

“To lose the game, but have a couple of players out, and then add the excitement of having Claire step up was unreal, for her and the club.

“There’s no doubt Kangaroo Flat are going to take some catching, but to match it with them for three quarters give us plenty to be excited about.”

Behind McGee, midcourter Shae Clifford excelled to continue her outstanding form, while captain Sophie Shoebridge was the pick of the defenders.

Sandhurst will look to rebound following this weekend’s interleague break against South Bendigo, with Gilchrist expecting a tough battle against a Bloods team expected to be bolstered by the inclusion of Strikers goaler Bridgette Furphy alongside Gabe Richards.

The Bloods will be chasing a fourth straight win following victories over Strathfieldsaye, Gisborne and Eaglehawk to open the second round of matches.

A testing two weeks for the Dragons will include a showdown against Gisborne, by which time Gilchrist anticipates they will be at full strength.

Round 11 recap: Kangaroo Flat 63 defeated Sandhurst 48; Gisborne 53 defeated Eaglehawk 18; Golden Square 30 lost to Strathfieldsaye 39; South Bendigo bye.

Round 12 (19 July): Sandhurst v South Bendigo; Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk; Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat; Gisborne bye.