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<\/p>\n
“She is going to be a star of the league for years to come.<\/p>\n
“She definitely put her hand up to play A-grade more often this year.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In defence, Ingrid Hopkins made a strong impact after coming off the bench late in the second quarter as the Dragons were gaining momentum.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I was really stoked with the response. The first quarter margin was the result for the game,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We know we can’t start like that against a quality side, but it was a good three quarters after that.<\/p>\n
“I can’t wait for finals now. I’m so excited to see what we bring after (Friday night).”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gilchrist described it as a dominant debut.<\/p>\n
“Bec Smith is pretty irreplaceable, but to have Claire McGee come in and shoot the lights out was amazing and exciting,” she said.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Behind McGee, midcourter Shae Clifford excelled to continue her outstanding form, while captain Sophie Shoebridge was the pick of the defenders.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Bloods will be chasing a fourth straight win following victories over Strathfieldsaye, Gisborne and Eaglehawk to open the second round of matches.<\/p>\n
A testing two weeks for the Dragons will include a showdown against Gisborne, by which time Gilchrist anticipates they will be at full strength.<\/p>\n
Round 11 recap: Kangaroo Flat 63 defeated Sandhurst 48; Gisborne 53 defeated Eaglehawk 18; Golden Square 30 lost to Strathfieldsaye 39; South Bendigo bye.<\/p>\n
Round 12 (19 July): Sandhurst v South Bendigo; Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk; Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat; Gisborne bye.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n