ONLY two games of Round 4 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) were played with the rest to follow on Sunday. But that does not mean that there was any shortage of action as the Lightning ended Casey’s undefeated streak and Boroondara recorded their first victory of the season.

Melbourne University Lightning (58) defeated Casey Demons (54)

All eyes turned to the contest between Melbourne University Lightning and the Casey Demons as the two sides engaged in a tense battle. Heading into the clash, both sides were yet to drop a game shaping up to the be the two in-form teams in the competition and the match well and truly lived up to the hype. Only four goals separated the two sides in the end with the class of Lightning getting them over the line, while the Demons will be ruing missed opportunities.

Melbourne University made their intentions clear from the get-go scoring with relative ease and at a high accuracy sinking 17 of 20 attempts at 85 per cent to hold the lead at quarter time. The five goal buffer was a good safety net for the side, given Casey have the likes of Emma Ryde under the post who is renowned for her ability to turn a game on its head with her quick conversions. The momentum continued into the second term for the Lightning as they maintained their handy lead but their accuracy started to dip while Casey’s output was high shooting at 87 per cent for the quarter.

It was not until the third quarter that Casey really flicked a switch both in attack and defence to win ball back and then fire it down the court. The Demons piled on a whopping 17 goals at 95 per cent after only missing one goal for the entire 15 minutes. With things humming nicely in attack, the defence also stood strong as Casey limited the Lightning’s movement and rendered them inaccurate converting at a lowly 69 per cent. The improved effort from Casey saw them level scores at three quarter time with the game delicately poised.

But Melbourne University were not done with yet as they kicked it up a gear in the final quarter. Outsmarted in the third, the Lightning reverted to their original plan and while their accuracy increased marginally it was the increased volume and delivery from the likes of Kelsie Rainbow, Shae Brown and Jordan Cransberg into the circle that paid dividends. It was a hard-fought win for the Lightning who dug deep, weathering the Casey storm to prevail and keep their spot atop the ladder.

Boroondara Express (69) defeated Southern Saints (56)

It was a comprehensive performance from Boroondara Express as they notched up their first win of the season over Southern Saints. Both sides were on the hunt for their inaugural win of the season and it was clear Boroondara were hungry for that success as they led at every break and did not relent with their pressure palpable. Although the Saints mounted somewhat of a comeback in the second quarter, Express did not seem fazed as they came out and dominated to walk away 13 goal victors.

An accurate term of shooting from Boroondara was exactly how the side would have liked to open proceedings. Express nailed 17 goals in the first quarter, sitting at 100 per cent with Uneeq Palavi leading the way under the post. Her composure, fancy footwork and sheer strength put the Saints in a wealth of pain as she could not be denied. The workrate from the midcourters in Zali Anderson and Taylah Brown was also influential in the first stanza as they raced out to a five goal lead. Down back Michella Massanary and Sophie Shoebridge were on song to limit the likes of Sinead Lumsden and Ella Quinlan under the post.

However, the Saints were not about to roll over, rallying in the second term to put pressure on Boroondara. With both sides shooting accurately the main difference in the term was the volume of shots Express and the Saints put up with the latter going on a tear and nailing 17 goals at 90 per cent. Their improved attacking movement was crucial while the Saints’ ability to shut down Express was evident in the half time score as Boroondara’s five goal buffer was dwindled down to one.

A big second half from Boroondara all but gifted them the win. Despite Southern Saints throwing everything they had at Express early in the piece they fell off the boil as Boroondara sensed the opportunity to exploit their opponents especially in the third quarter as they piled on a staggering 22 goals at 96 per cent. In fact, Boroondara only missed two goals throughout the entire second half, showcasing their class and star power in attack to convert on all the opportunities presented.

Picture credit: Netball Victoria