ROUND 5 of the VNL was history making, but also statement making.
One of those who made a statement was the Boroondara Express, who came away with a big 18 goal win over the Southern Saints.
It was a tight affair early, with not much of a buffer between the sides. However, despite the height advantage of Emily Andrew, the Express’ defenders Sarah Szczykulski and Ruby Pekin Schlicht were really making the most of their opportunities to generate turnovers. This turnover generation, which is something the Saints were unable to do to the same extent, meant that as the quarter progressed into its second half, the Express were able to blow out the margin a bit, and as such took a nine goal lead into the first change.
The margin was maintained for much of the second quarter, but once the likes of Taylah Brown started to rack up the turnovers, the Express were able to grow their lead even further. Despite the speed with which the Saints were able to get the ball down the court at times, they were unable to get those crucial turnovers that the Express were getting.
The margin got close to double digits during the quarter, but ultimately sat at six in the Express’ favour at the main break.
Although goals were traded in the first minutes of the third term, the Express then landed six goals in a row to really open up the game even further.
That was the final nail in the coffin for the Saints, who struggled to get any kind of decent run of goals in a row, and therefore could not catch up to the Express.
In other results, the Falcons came back from their bye and did not miss a step with a solid win over the Warriors, while the Blaze remain undefeated after a big win over the Lightning. The Hawks also had a big win over Casey, while the Strikers won their first ever match with a huge win over the Waves.
VNL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 5 FIXTURE
Bendigo Strikers (77) defeated Peninsula Waves (35)
Western Warriors (57) lost to City West Falcons (66)
Casey (52) lost to Hawks (66)
Southern Saints (48) lost to Boroondara Express (66)
Melbourne Uni (41) lost to North East Blaze (52)
Bye – Geelong
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