By DAVID NAGEL
BEACONSFIELD is good enough to play in this year’s grand final according to coach Amy Heath, who was impressed with her side’s 43-37 victory over Berwick at Edwin Flack Reserve.
And don’t for one minute think that she’s just shooting from the hip, because Amy has some real substance to her argument.
“I don’t like excuses but we have been injury stricken this year, hence our form hasn’t been great,” Amy said of her team, which broke a three-game losing streak on the weekend.
“But we’re building and we’ll have a full team on the court by the time finals come around. Narre (Warren) looks to be the team to beat but a grand final spot is what we’re playing for, and who knows what can happen from there.”
Beacy took control of the contest against Berwick in the second quarter, with Andi Dickson and Bianca Sanzaro combining beautifully in a 15-goal-to-eight onslaught. The Eagles then maintained their composure, and their lead, to bank a crucial four points.
Kylie Baker in wing defence was also terrific for the Eagles on Saturday, while Olivia Macente and Jodie Cranston had good games for Berwick.
Cranbourne coach Simon O’Shanassy was very proud of his side after its come-from-behind eight-goal victory 42-34 over ROC at Starling Road.
The Eagles went in without Amy-Grace Paulsen, and lost fellow goal-shooter Monalisa Groom to injury in the second quarter, but still found a way to grab the four points. The Eagles were down at half time, but the move of regular wing-attack Natalie Sparks into the goal ring made all the difference after the break.
“We still had Jess (O’Hanlon) in there, but for Nat to come in and shoot 11 goals in the third quarter was huge for us,” O’Shanassy said.
Tara Cecil and Alanah Hardy were once again fantastic in defence for the Eagles.
Pakenham has basically assured itself of a double-chance in September after a gritty and determined three-goal victory 45-42 over Doveton at Toomuc Reserve.
Two of the league’s most potent goal-shooters, Pakenham’s Rachel Priestly and Doveton’s Rahni Samason, settled down into a shootout in the first quarter, their skills admirable in the windy conditions.
But ironically it was Pakenham’s defence that made the difference in the end, with Michelle Briggs, Olivia Hunt and Taylor Beck keeping the Doves to their lowest score since round seven.
Premiership-favourite Narre Warren has continued its unbeaten run this season with a comprehensive 39-goal victory over Tooradin at Westernport. The Magpies are really looking strong at the moment; Tayla Shannon (88 percent) and Chloe Phillips (85 percent) shot the ball beautifully while Tracey Dell and Kara Hargreaves were impenetrable down back.
