BOROONDARA Express have added another win to their tally as they soared over Hawks Netball in a 19 goal victory, 45 – 64.

Both teams entered this outing vying for a win. The Hawks desperately wanted to enter the top four, and Boroondara was searching for another win after suffering its first loss last week to the ladder-leading City West Falcons.

It was goal for goal for the majority of the first term, until a six goal run by Boroondara pulled it out to a convincing lead. Spectacular shooting by duo Belle Hodgson and Ruby Barkmeyer helped the lead pull out to eight at the first break.

It seemed as though Hodgson could do no wrong, being able to get herself right under the post with ease and able to beat a two on one defence. As the game continued, she gradually gained confidence and started shooting from further out of the circle.

Lauren Hucker did not make every pass easy, just fingertips shy of getting a hand to the ball, until she finally got some touches and put some doubt into the Boroondara midcourters. What the Hawks struggled with was converting their turnovers down the other end. It was mostly the little one percenters that hurt the Hawks the most in the first half with Boroondara able to pick up loose balls.

Hawks shooter Kaylia Stanton tried to rev her team up, slotting the majority of her side’s goals. Her timing when popping out in front of the defender was impeccable, and she also knew when to switch around the front and change to a hold out the back.

Eventually the tight one-on-one defence from Boroondara forced Stanton to start too high up in the circle, constraining Stanton into taking longer shots and making her shuffle back trying to shoot closer to the post.

The Hawks looked very fatigued and defeated after the main break, becoming very stagnant and stopping in their tracks, waiting for the ball to be passed or for someone else to make a move. This allowed for Boroondara to pull its lead out to 15 goals by the time the fourth quarter approached.

Boroondara’s work rate through attack was stunning with a lot of trust between the midcourt and shooters to be able to pull in any pass given. The timing and footwork by Casey Adamson and Zali Anderson was truly staggering as they were able to hit the circle edge with ease and drive into the pockets at full stretch.

Anderson’s closing speed and change of direction was able to lose her defender and get any space she wanted. She was unstoppable and very present in their attack end.

A late surge by the Hawks closed the gap from the highest of 23 to the ending margin of 19, but Boroondara took home the four points and continued challenging the Falcons for top spot.

In other results across the league, City West comprehensively beat the Ariels as did Melbourne Uni over the Waves. North East had a solid win over Casey while Geelong picked up a handy win over the Southern Saints.

VICTORIAN NETBALL LEAGUE ROUND 6 RESULTS

Boroondara Express (64) defeated Hawks (45)

Wilson Storage Southern Saints (48) defeated by Geelong Cougars (55)

Peninsula Waves (48) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (61)

Casey Demons (62) defeated by North East Blaze (73)

City West Falcons (82) defeated Ariels (35)