Lavington’s versatility proved decisive in its 48-31 win over Corowa-Rutherglen on Saturday.
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The premiership favourites were able to alter their playing style to suit the conditions.
“We made a lot of changes to accomodate the hot weather and we were able to do that really consistently,” coach Tamara Mathews said.
“It didn’t matter what changes we made, we were able to bring fresh legs into defence or goals.
“We’ve got the three shooters that can rotate through, Maggie Young pushed hard through the first half and worked really well with Sarah (Senini) and then we were able to bring Alison Meani in for the second half.
We were able to bring fresh legs into defence or goals. We’ve got the three shooters that can rotate through, Maggie Young pushed hard through the first half and worked really well with Sarah (Senini) and then we were able to bring Alison Meani in for the second half.
- Tamara Mathews
“They all play slightly different, so it just changes the way they move the ball in the circle and their defenders just have to adjust.”
The home team trailed Lavington by only two goals at quarter-time, but it was able to build that lead throughout the next three terms.
“I thought our defensive effort right through the court was really strong and that’s what we’ve been working on, particularly stopping their midcourt getting the ball to the circle.
“We knew Sophie (Hanrahan) was always going to be dangerous if she got the ball.”
The Panthers restricted Hanrahan to just 14 goals, while former Albury player Claire Wilson fired 15.
Senini led the way with 26, while Meani posted 15.
Senini and defender Rhiannon Dolahenty were the Panthers’ best, while former North Albury player Olivia Sinclair and Emily Laracy were the pick of the Roos.
Meanwhile in the other game, Wangaratta Rovers toppled Myrtleford, 49-38.
The visitors skipped to a six-goal break at quarter-time and out-scored the home team in the remaining terms.
Sami Kreltszheim bagged 28 goals, while Jami Hunt nabbed 21.
The Saints had three players in double figures, led by Eden Broz’s 16.
Kreltszheim and Bree Schutt played well for the Hawks, while Emma Botter was the Saints’ finest.
Wodonga will now host Wodonga Raiders and North Albury is home to Albury on Anzac Day, with Wangaratta and Yarrawonga completing round four next Saturday.