There were no fingernails left for many spectators who witnessed the 13th round of the 2022 Mid South Eastern Netball Association season where many games went down to the wire.
With both teams fighting for second place it was always going to be a close game and Robe and Glencoe did not disappoint where tensions were never higher.
The Roosters came out firing with some accurate shooting from Halle Carter, not missing a goal for the quarter.
Robe’s defenders Emma Grant and Georgia Perkins were making it tough for Glencoe’s goalies in the ring, making the most of every opportunity for a rebound.
The quarter time score saw Robe up by a goal at quarter time.
During the second quarter the Murphies lifted and put pressure on all over the court, with their goalies Malinda Markiewicz and Jenna Paproth rewarding them in the goal ring.
Robe lost its momentum and found it hard to fight back, with Glencoe winning the quarter by five goals to snatch the lead.
The Roosters amplified the pressure all over the court after the main break, getting their hands to lots of balls and making many turnovers, which were rewarded by some accurate shooting from Sarah Laurie.
Robe found its best and won the quarter by five goals to setup a thrilling final term with the score being 32 to 31 the home side’s way.
With both teams knowing they had to fight hard to get the win, it was a well fought last quarter, with both teams chasing every loose ball and putting lots of defensive pressure on all over the court.
The Roosters were up by one goal with about one minute to go, but Glencoe scored to make it even.
Robe got the goal to its goal ring, but could not convert in time, with both teams being on 42 at the final whistle to ensure there was no winner after a cracking contest.
Tantanoola v Hatherleigh
Hatherleigh and Tantanoola clashed in another nail-biting fixture.
A few early errors from the home side allowed the Eagles to soar to the lead with quick ball movement from Erin Watson and Georgia Hunter into their attack line.
The Tigers took some time to adjust to a different looking attack like with Isabelle Turner starting at wing attack but found the connection to Emma Gould who shot with accuracy.
Despite Hatherleigh turning ball over early Tantanoola was able to fight its way back into the contest and went into the first break one down.
Neither side made changes going into the second quarter and it was much like the first.
Hatherleigh’s defenders Tegan Telfer, Lara MacGregor and Demi Vanderhorst worked well together causing havoc for the Tiger’s attack end.
Down the other end Tantanoola’s defenders also worked overtime to try and win ball but went in to half time trailing by two goals.
The premiership quarter did not disappoint with both sides fighting hard for every ball.
The Tigers had momentum at times with Tayla Rowe and Kate Bromley putting pressure on Hatherleigh’s goalies causing a few uncharacteristic misses by them.
But the pressure from Hatherleigh’s defence also had impact and kept the hosts’ lead to one goal with only one more segment to play.
Neither was giving up going into the final term as they fought to secure a spot in the top four.
The Tigers capitalised on some crucial turnovers and found themselves with a small lead for the first time in the match.
In a high pressured quarter the Tigers lost possession and allowed Hatherleigh to get back level and the rest of the quarter went goal for goal.
With only seconds on the clock and a late challenge by Hatherleigh saw Gould with a penalty shot to win her side the game by just one goal.
Port MacDonnell v Mount Burr
Port MacDonnell hosted a well-matched Mount Burr in a competitive game on Saturday.
Both teams began the game with high energy and a want for the ball.
The new, but familiar goalie combo of Sarah Nulty and Ebony Clarke worked in sync and were on from the first whistle blow.
The Demons’ defensive combo of Belinda O’Dine and Alana Winter worked hard to combat the Mozzies.
Mount Burr’s on court vocality and energy rattled the Demons, and their impeccable attack plays held them over the line at the end of the first quarter.
Port MacDonnell shooter Kirby Carrison did not miss for the second quarter, but defenders Madi Haggett and young Olivia Dean applied great defensive pressure, creating turnovers for the Mozzies.
Port MacDonnell’s court transition was relatively smooth, with midcourters Brooke Williams and Narelle Lewis gaining lots of the ball.
However, the precision of Nulty, Clarke and Meg Fennell challenged the Bay’s defence to build a 10-goal lead by the main break.
Port MacDonnell came out firing at the beginning of the second half, looking to change the game.
Experienced goalie Toni Gilmore took over the Demons’ shooting for the quarter, while Mount Burr’s Schultz was consistent through the middle.
Port MacDonnell’s defence stepped up, as Alana Winter challenged Nulty.
Both sides were able to score their centres, but the “Bay” could not quite find the turnovers they needed as Mount Burr held its 10-goal lead by three quarter time.
The final quarter was one to watch as the Mozzies looked to build on their lead, whilst Port MacDonnell tried to close the gap.
Williams and Lewis stepped up their game for the Demons while Haggett took advantage of a tiring Gilmore and took control.
A few missed goals from Nulty allowed the “Bay’s” defence to gain crucial rebounds and close the gap slightly.
However, Mount Burr were too good for the Demons and ultimately won the game by seven goals.
Nangwarry v Kongorong
Both Nangwarry and Kongorong came out with intent.
The young Hawks side played some smart netball early, utilising Tilah Buckingham’s height and lobbing the ball into her to take an eight goal lead into the first break.
The Saints knew they needed to make a change to try and curb the easy passing into Buckingham with Hayley Burner and Shannon Higgins making positional swaps.
This change made a huge difference for Nangwarry as the second quarter was very even.
The Hawks came out firing with an early intercept from Sarah Lucas and some patient passing from Tori McIntyre and Kate Wright to get a jump on the Saints.
Ella McIntyre ran well and became a focal point in the circle for the Hawks scoring with accuracy and helping them extend their lead.
In the last quarter Kongorong came out strong turning over Nangwarry’s first centre pass and proving they wanted the win.
The Hawks midcourt ran the game out well, creating space and passing into their goalies with ease to finish off the day with a 17-goal win.
