Leaping for it: Stanhope's Michaela Fisher.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Merrigum made it four wins on the trot on Saturday with a convincing 44-25 A-grade netball win over Lancaster, but it came at a cost for the Bulldogs, after playing coach Olivia Jackson went down during the game with what is likely a season-ending knee injury.
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The match was one of a number of exciting Kyabram District League ‘Say No to Violence Round’ clashes at the weekend.
Jackson, who had only recently returned to the court, said her injury left the Bulldogs with limited shooting options.
“I’m probably out for the season, I think, with a knee injury. It’s probably going to affect our season and we might have to hunt for a new goaler,” she said.
“It was only my third game back playing just because I’d been managing another knee injury.”
Last line of defence: Stanhope’s Ellie Turpin tries to defend Undera’s Janaya Stewart.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Despite losing their coach mid-game, the visitors were able to rally and take out the win, leaving the Merrigum mentor full of praise for her key position players.
“Our defence was outstanding as usual. Maddy Hall provided really good drive in the midcourt,” Jackson said.
“Breanna Baker is consistent every week. Her feeds into the goalers are amazing.
“Latia Doherty is usually a defender, but she’s been playing goals for the past couple of weeks. She’s been very strong in the ring, which is great.”
On the move: Undera's Alyssa Lindrea gets into space.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
After a rocky start, the Bulldogs have catapulted themselves into fourth spot after a string of superb performances.
Jackson said their home match-up with undefeated Tallygaroopna this weekend would give a good indication of how her side stacked up against KDL heavyweights.
“First couple of games we had some injuries which really impacted our performances,” she said.
“Our game next week against Tallygaroopna will be interesting, it will definitely be a tough game.
Full focus: Undera's Breanna Seal.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“We’ll work with some of our B-grade goalers and our juniors to hopefully put up a good contest against them.
“I think it will definitely show where we stand amongst the competition. They look like the team to beat and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Redlegs were at their clinical best in their round seven match-up, doing away with Avenel 62-27.
Girgarre secured an impressive 45-35 triumph over Murchison-Toolamba to pick up its second win of the season, while Stanhope kept Undera winless with a 63-30 win.
Nagambie made it seven wins from seven to stay top, fending off a plucky Violet Town 59-45.
Shepparton East also kept its unbeaten run alive, overcoming Longwood 64-22.
Team effort: Stanhope’s Ellie Turpin and her team resets.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
