Aimee Nevill, of Sebastopol, is ready to take the ball during the BFL netball match between Sebastopol and Darley on Saturday. Picture: Adam Trafford
IT’S one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes on the Ballarat Football League senior netball calendar, and it was Lake Wendouree which drew first blood on Saturday.
The Lakers broke a game clear at the top of the ladder with a 20-goal win over old rivals East Point at Wendouree Reserve.
Lake Wendouree coach Sally McLean said it was an important first-half performance by her girls which set up the result, with the Lakers stretching their way to a 15-goal break by half-time.
From here, the Kangaroos could not bridge the gap as the home side went on to record a 60-40 victory.
“In that first half we were just really strong at the ball, our defensive pressure was good all the way down the court and that got a few defensive turnovers for us,” McLean said.
“Both of our goalers shot well, but were really strong at the ball too. When we took an intercept or got that turnover we were able to capitalise on it, so that was really pleasing.”
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Laura McDonald (32 goals) and Gina McCartin (28) were the two shooters used for the Lakers, and despite being on the interchange bench in the first half of the match, East Point was best served by Catherine Maika, who netted 21 goals.
McLean, who praised the performances of goal keeper Mel Allen and goal defence Emma Burton for her minding job on East Point attacker Emma Farrell, said she again rotated the centre court players to give all eight squad members game time and maintain fresh legs through the middle.
The Lakers are expected to be well under-strength when they take on lowly Sunbury this weekend, largely due to its Ballarat Pride contingent, which have a Saturday game in the Victorian Netball League.
The Kangaroos, meanwhile, look to bounce back with a clash against Darley.
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