THE remaining Round 4 games of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) were completed yesterday as North East Blaze handed the Cougars their first loss of the season. They joined the winners list alongside Melbourne University Lightning and Boroondara from Wednesday night as City West also flexed their muscles as serious contenders in season 2021.

Geelong Cougars (49) defeated by North East Blaze (54)

North East Blaze bounced back in Round 4 to get back on the winners list and this time defeat the Cougars who were yet to drop a game. getting the jump early, it looked as if Geelong were front runners to keep their undefeated streak intact but the tables started to turn as the game progressed. A dominant third term of action handed the ascendancy to the Blaze as their accuracy and volume played a critical role. In fact the Blaze converted at 94 per cent while the Cougars sunk to 80 per cent, an uncharacteristic level for the well-oiled attacking unit. Holding a four goal lead at the final change, North East Blaze left nothing to chance in the final term adding to the margin to run out five goal victors.

Nyah Allen had a game to remember inside the goal circle for North East Blaze shooting at 93 per cent. Allen sunk a team-high 37 goals from 40 attempts going at 100 per cent in the second half proving to be the difference between the two sides. Georgia Moody was also influential, finding the post with relative ease to sink 17 goals while through the midcourt the combination of Kali Dolphin, Ella Bayliss and Meg Williams was impressive. The trio all showed their class with ball in hand to bypass the defender and fire off pinpoint passes while defensively Tayissa Coppinger and Ruby Turner put the likes of Julia Woolley and Bridgette Furphy under a wealth of pressure. Playing her first game since last year with Collingwood Magpies, dynamic midcourter Madi Browne did not skip a step out on court for Geelong. Her soft hands and quick footwork enabled her to deliver well-weighted passes into the circle. Brooke Allan worked tirelessly down back but Allen and Moody had her number with their fast ball movement, catching her off-guard.

Peninsula Waves (46) defeated by Ariels (69)

The final game of the round was a relatively one-sided affair as Ariels ran out 23 goal victors against Peninsula Waves. It was a tough day at the office for Peninsula who showed glimpses of greatness last round, but just lacked that finesse and it was a similar case here. after an even start to the game, the Ariels took over in second quarter with their slick ball movement and execution under the post unquestionable going at an impressive 100 per cent. With the game being played well and truly on their terms, the Ariels extended their lead at every change by a goal to secure an impressive win and keep Peninsula stuck to the bottom of the ladder.

Rahni Samason had a day out for the Ariels under the post with her surety to post and strong holds enabling her to dictate the play inside the goal circle. Her connection with Monique Tarrant was also noticeable as the two worked creatively together to get into damaging positions. Tara Cecil was once again a real workhorse in defence for the Waves as she employed some strong hands over pressure to block the vision and get in the head of the shooters. Jess Hosking got some valuable minutes out on court for the Waves with the Carlton AFLW star using her endurance and dynamic movement to full effect. Sussu Liai and Tarrant went toe-to-toe for majority of the match as they tussled around circle edge for prime position. inside the goal circle, Clare Vearing was a real lynchpin for Peninsula as she presented well at the ball and held her own to score freely.

City West Falcons (51) defeated Hawks Netball (49)

It went right down to the wire as City West Falcons snuck over the line against Hawks Netball. The Falcons dominated the opening quarter piling on the scoreboard pain with 17 goals to nine to set them up nicely. They maintained that momentum into the second quarter and while the volume was down the accuracy definitely was not, shooting at 100 per cent. With the game slipping away from them the Hawks came out revitalised in the second half to outscore their opponents. The Hawks gave themselves a chance heading into the final change as they reduced the margin to just four goals. The Falcons were sent into panic stations as their lead steadily evaporated as the Hawks nailed 13 goals to 11 in the final quarter but simply left their run a little late.