Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
That was the message from Shepparton Swans coach Courtney Simpson following her side’s impressive 44-22 triumph over cross-town rival Shepparton United in the first week of the Goulburn Valley League’s Indigenous round.
The victory, one of the club’s historic eight football and netball wins against United on Saturday, sees the seventh-placed Swans remain in striking distance of the top six.
“We’re all committed to making that happen, the group wants that and we’ll do anything possible to achieve that.”
After losing the previous round to Rochester, the round 12 clash was a crucial match for the Princess Park outfit.
Talented goaler Chelsea McDonald (28 goals), defender Klarindah Hudson and defensive midcourter Tayla Clohesy took it upon themselves to guide their side to victory which keeps them 10 points off sixth-placed Shepparton.
“It was a great win and it’s something that I think we’ve been building towards over the past month,” Simpson said.
“We’re heading in the right direction ... I know we had that loss last week, but to bounce back and come out with a performance like that was really pleasing.
“Chels (McDonald) is such an intelligent netballer, she leads by example, her performance was fantastic and it was a nice reward for effort.
“Tayla (Clohesy) was sensational, I was really impressed with her defensive pressure.”
Over at Tatura Park, it was another must-watch contest with Echuca exacting revenge on round one opponent Tautra.
A brilliant 10-2 third quarter helped the Murray Bombers run out 38-22 winners, which sees them leapfrog Tatura into fourth spot on the ladder.
Star midcourter Steph Vick was a standout while defensive duo Lauren Jones and Ash Mangan held Tatura’s goaling pair quiet.
“It was nice to redeem ourselves to be honest,” Echuca coach Belinda Lees said.
“It was really difficult conditions and we had a fair bit to prove, but I’m really proud of the girls.
“We’re starting to click as a group, which is exactly what we want to be doing at this stage of the year.”
Lastly, Kyabram chalked up a thrilling win over Rochester (33-31), Euroa thumped Benalla (70-16) and Seymour was too strong for Mansfield (63-30).