By DAVID NAGEL
HAMPTON Park has shown its new side has the quality and character to go all the way this season after the Redbacks came from behind to defeat Berwick, 52-49, in the thriller of the round at Robert Booth Reserve on Saturday.
The Wickers came out blazing, leading 16-8 at the first break, and still held a comfortable 27-20 advantage half-way through the contest.
But the Redbacks lifted their rating after half time, drawing to within a goal with a 17-11 third quarter before timing their run to perfection with a 15 to 11 final term.
Redbacks coach Kylie Kibble was thrilled with her sides’ ability to turn things around when all looked lost.
“We made some changes, and luckily we got across the line, but that was definitely our toughest game for the season,” she said.
Pakenham has squared its season away at two wins and two losses after a hard-fought five-goal victory, 42-37, over Cranbourne at Toomuc Reserve.
The Lions, who lost to Hampton Park and Narre Warren to the start their campaign, have now accounted for ROC and the Eagles to show they’re a legitimate finals contender.
Meaghan Winter seemed to be playing with her own ball when the game was up for grabs in the final quarter, while goaler Rachel Priestley and defender Olivia Hunt were consistent performers for the full duration.
Cranbourne has been so competitive, but just can’t take a trick, defeating Tooradin, drawing with Narre Warren, and having close losses against Berwick (3 goals), Beaconsfield (3 goals) and now the Lions.
A dominant third quarter has propelled Narre Warren to an in the end comfortable 48-36 victory over Beaconsfield at Holm Park Reserve.
This one looked up for grabs at half-time, the Magpies just two goals ahead, but a barnstorming 15 goal to eight third term put the issue beyond doubt.
Tayla Shannon and Chloe Phillips were once again dynamite for the Magpies, while Courtney Phelps was solid at the other end of the court.
ROC has snuck quietly along into third place on the ladder after an 18-goal victory, 50-32, over Tooradin at Westernport Oval on Sunday.
The Kangaroos have a tough run ahead, with games against Beaconsfield, Hampton Park, Cranbourne, Narre Warren and Berwick on the horizon, but have already shown they could have real nuisance value this season.
Lauren Hargreaves and Sophie Tracey were superb for the Kangaroos while Alexandra Duff, Ebony Dolan and Michelle Barnes were equally as inspirational for the Seagulls.
