ROUND9REVIEWS

MTELIZA(41)vFRANKSTONBOMBERS(27)

With Mt Eliza and Bombers coming off a loss just 7 days prior, both teams would be determined to get backonthewinnerslistinthislive-streamedRound9 clash.

TheRedlegshadasolidperformanceinthefirsthalf, particularly acknowledging their dominance in the second to lead by a handy 9 goals at half time. Goalers Emily Bennet and Maddi Graham worked well together, sharing the load between them against a very tall Bombshells defence. Maddison Zach had another superior performance in the midcourt for the red and black, assisting in a more consistent performance by her side in the second half. The hosts continued with patience, not forcing passes into the ring, and making sure execution was paramount.ButitwastheRedlegsdefencethatwere outstandinginthismatchwith5deflectionsand81% of rebounds. By the final whistle, Mt Eliza were comfortablewinnersby14goals.

Both clubs will look forward to a week off in preparation for the second half of the season. Bombers will head back to Greg Beck Oval against BonbeachandMtElizawillhostPines.

BONBEACH(55)vPINES(42)

Both teams in search for their first win of the 2023 season,thiscontestwouldprovetobeafiercebattle. Pines headed into the match without vice-captain Brianna Messina who will miss up to 6 weeks with a stress fracture. The first half proved costly for the visitors. Accurate goaling by the Sharks Megan Egbers and Ellarnah Hanlen led their team to a 13goal lead at the major break. A third quarter comeback by the Pythons meant that this young team matched it with Bonbeach for the 2nd half. Zahli Nadj was dominant in the centre court and havingoneofherbestgamesfortheseason,backed upbygoalersBayleyMifsudandDarcySwayn.

But the Sharks focus was to put in a strong four quarter performance. Timing across the court was much improved and the excellent defensive work fromtheentireteamgiveBonbeachtheirfirstwinby 13goals,andnottomentiontheirhighestscoreofthe seasontodate.

Both teams will also see a week off, with Bonbeach thenfacingBombers,andPinesheadingtoMtEliza.

DROMANA(16)vSORRENTO(116)

Withmanyinjuries,illness,andplayerchangestothe Dromana A Grade side over the last few weeks, facing an inform Sorrento was always going to be a tough hour match. To the credit of Dromana and theirclub,theymanagedtogetateamtogether.

Sorrento’s player/coach Bec Risol set some targets for the team and moved players in positions they generallydonotplaybuthavealwayswantedtosee them in, and overall was coached brilliantly. Brooke Fankhauser and Chelsea Lieshout came in from B Grade to assist with the midcourt and played some great netball. They are both elite netballers and, in thismatch,provedhowmuchdepththeSharkshave. Dromana are commended for not dropping their headsandplayingoutthisgameasdifficultasitwas to see the scoreline, and is appreciative of those players who were able to help out. While it was a complete team performance by Sorrento, Talia Anderson was named best for the hosts with 9 flying intercepts and the profound ability to confuse the space. This is recorded as the highest margin and scorewithintheMPFNLnetballcompetition,reachin triplefigures.

Across the King’s Birthday long weekend, Dromana will move into Round 10 with most players returning andlookforwardtotakingonRedHillonSundayand SorrentotohostRosebud.