Wallan kept to its word from last week’s match after producing another four quarter game in round five of the Riddell District Netball Football League, RDFNL.
Another home game for Wallan, it was the side’s second home win, following its first from last week’s 125-point win against Riddell.
Although the score difference was not as huge, with a 23-point win over Macedon at the weekend, the outcome was an upstanding performance from the Magpies compared to their previous home games.
From start to finish, Wallan was on the ball quickly, kicking four goals in the first quarter.
It was Wallan’s game in the second quarter as Macedon was still stuck on a goal and behind from the first quarter, but Macedon redeemed itself in the third quarter after producing a few goals and behinds.
Wallan outscored Macedon the entire game up until the final siren, with a 70-47 victory.
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said he was well-pleased on Wallan’s performance.
“Our first couple of home games we haven’t been that consistent, so we played better this week, a four quarter performance, which we were happy with against a pretty good side Macedon,” he said.
With plenty of contributors to choose from, including Patrick Mahoney, Brodie Gilchrist, Reuben Rode, Chris Stewart, Sean Morris, and Hayden Gill, Mathieson said Wallan’s shift to more consistent home games was to play defensively.
“We had a bit of a focus because our last two home games defensively we haven’t been as good as we have been in our away games,” he said.
“We wanted to make sure we bring that form that we’ve been playing away to home defensively, which we did.”
Returning after a bye last week, Romsey had its first loss of the season in a game against Riddell, giving the side a 50-point win to take home.
Romsey fell short to Riddell’s dominance in the first quarter, which seemed to be the case for the rest of the game with a 46-96 loss.
Elsewhere, Lancefield hosted Melton Centrals at the weekend, but it was another loss for the Tigers with a 50-94 loss.
Netball
Wallan A netballers matched the footballers in taking the win at the weekend.
In a game where both teams were set to claim victory, Wallan was able to dominate the game towards the end to secure a 50-42 win.
After last week’s hiccup in a one point loss, coach Lucas Bennett-Hullin said Wallan’s renewed game plan played out well on the court.
“We came into the side with a renewed game plan, or more reverting back to our game plan, and it showed on the court. It was a good win,” he said.
“It was more coming back to our game, like last week we probably tried to play Melton at Melton’s game, which is never a great strategy.
“We really had to refocus on our game plan, our strategy, what we know works in play and we got the result.”
A team effort from Wallan, each player made a mark on the scoreboard, with Maddi Wallmeyer all over the court in centre position, and constant goals from Alyssa Pearse, Rebekah Konstantopoulos and Maeve Donegan.
“All of them [were standouts], Maddi Wallmeyer is always a gun, I think Georgia Stevenson played really well in [goal] keeper, and Rebeka h Konstantopoulos,” Bennett-Hullin said.
“I think it’s a team effort once again – that’s what we’re building it on. It’s not about the individual, it’s about the team and everyone’s bought into that and we’re seeing the results.”
Wallan is still on top of the ladder in the RDFNL senior netball competition, followed by Romsey who drew 39-39 against Riddell at the weekend in a home game.
Both teams had similar playing statistics in all four terms, with Romsey’s Charlize Bellette performing 26 goals while Riddell’s goal shooter Shelby Hotler had 20 to her name.
Lancefield A grade netballers, who are currently seventh in the ladder, nearly called it victory at the weekend until Melton secured a 48-54 win.
Despite the six-point loss, Lancefield’s goal shooter Tarnee Hammond still performed another great game with 32 goals.
RDFNL will be heading into interleague this week, which will mean Wallan, Romsey, and Lancefield netball and football teams will have a bye and return the week after for more competition.
In round six for football and netball, Wallan will go up against Woodend Hesket, while Romsey will go head-to-head with Lancefield.
