By DAVID NAGEL
SATURDAY was the perfect day to jump in the car and go driving with all four travelling teams returning home with four points safely tucked away in the boot.
Sixth-placed Doveton showed the level of depth in the South East Football Netball League this year when it pushed the undefeated Narre Warren all the way at Robinson Reserve.
The Doves lost by five goals, 56-51, but were super-impressive according to Magpies coach Jade Heinrich.
“If they make it they will be a team to watch out for because that was definitely our hardest game for the season,” Jade said.
“It was tough and I was really proud that we were able to still win under that type of pressure.”
The Magpies bounded out of the blocks, scoring 18 goals to 10 in the first quarter, to take a real grip on the contest.
And it was their usual stars that were at it again, with Erin Clark and Leigh Taylor through the midcourt feeding Elly Stewart and Tayla Shannon with style during a dominant first period of play.
Cara Humbert and Aggie Seeto were superb in defence for the Doves; while Rahni Samason was once again impressive under the ring. Berwick ensured its 60th birthday celebrations were in full-swing on Saturday night after a 44-38 victory over Cranbourne at Casey Fields.
Emily LaRoche, Sarah McDermott and Olivia Macente got on top through the middle of the court for the Wickers, while Jodie Cranston, Claire Rottier and Rebecca Vickers took turns in tormenting Cranbourne’s goal-shooters. Tara Cecil and Alanah Hardy were terrific in defence for the Eagles.
Pakenham locked in the double chance with a grinding 45-34 victory over Beaconsfield at Holm Park Reserve.
The Lions’ team defence was superb in the first quarter, keeping the Eagles to just six goals, to open up a five-goal lead which they kept until three quarter time.
The Lions flexed their muscles in the final term, scoring 12 goals to seven to open up a 10-point advantage over the Eagles on the ladder.
Hampton Park continued its dominance over ROC this year with a brilliant 63-34 victory at Starling Road.
Maybe the thought of playing at this year’s grand final venue appealed to the Redbacks, who wasted little time in asserting their will on the contest.
Kylie Kibble’s side has lost just two games for the season and is certainly a front-runner to roll up for the big dance on Saturday 19 September.
