Eagles hang on in thriller against Centurions

The Geelong & District Netball League (GDNL) Finals has begun in thrilling fashion with East Geelong defeating Werribee Centrals by a single goal, 29-28.

The Eagles and Centurions met this afternoon (Saturday, August 26) at St Albans Reserve for the first time since last year’s decider.

In what was a physical rematch of last year’s Grand Final, the Centurions nabbed a couple of quick scores in an attempt to grab an early advantage, but East Geelong’s travelling contingent of supporters from Richmond Crescent willed the side to a two-goal advantage at quarter time, 8-6.

Scoring came at a premium with staunch defending from both teams, neither side reaching 20 goals by half time.

A three-goal half-time lead to the Eagles dwindled to one at three-quarter-time, with Werribee Centrals hot on East Geelong’s heels.

Both sides added eight goals to their totals in the final term, but the Centurions failed to reverse their fortunes, falling one goal short of a memorable comeback.

East Geelong’s shooters Alicia Kelton (17 goals) and Shannon Pietsch (12 goals) did enough to put the Eagles in front at the final siren, while the Centurions relied on the combination of Jacinta Savory (10 goals), Brigitte Ardossi (seven goals), Ellie Tubbs (six goals), and Jenni Rothery (five goals).

Eagles defender Stephanie Boyce, Sarah Perrott, and Alicia Kelton were named best on court, while Melissa Prismall, Nicole Weatherley, and Natasha Dimkovski earned similar praise on the other side of the coin.

East Geelong’s premiership defence continues with a Second Qualifying Final against minor premiers Winchelsea next Saturday (September 2).

The Centurions face the winners of tomorrow’s Elimination Final between Thomson and Corio next Sunday (September 3).