ALL three matches in Round 7 of the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (VMMNA)’s Mixed Premier Division resulted in one-sided contests as the ladder takes shape ahead of the final month. Over on Court 11 in the late game, Valley Wolves enjoyed a big win over Eastside Sonics to solidify third spot behind undefeated teams, Parkville Panthers and Geelong Cougars.

The Wolves were coming off a memorable one-goal win over Melbourne Quakes back in Round 5 last month, stringing together two consecutive victories after dropping their opening two matches to the aforementioned undefeated teams. The Sonics on the other hand, were 0-5 to start the season, and just looking to get on the board in the new year.

Surprisingly, the first term went the way of the Sonics, albeit not by much, as Eastside scored 14 goals to 13. Trent Williams started on fire with 13 of those 14 goals, whilst the Wolves shared their goals around between James Story (nine) and Monique Nagle (four). The massive change in the second term saw Alastair Punshon come onto the court in goal shooter and put up a massive 22 goals to blow the half-time score out to 35-27.

Rachel Powell was working well in wing defence for the Sonics, but the overwhelming and consistent scoring from the Wolves was seemingly too much. Whilst the Sonics’ defensive combination managed to stem the bleeding in the third term to 16 goals, Eastside could only manage five goals in the term, so the lead extended out to 19. With the game essentially over at the final break, Valley Wolves finished off strongly with a 15-10 last quarter for a 24-goal win, 66-42.

Nagle was a star in the goal circle with 24 goals, including 10 in the final term when she moved into the goal shooter position. Punshon’s 22-goal second term sparked the Wolves, also spending a quarter at goal keeper in the third to completely nullify the Sonics attack, then moved into centre for the final term. Taurin Eimermacher kept the transition moving well through centre in the first half, then rolled into goal attack for the final term, scoring five goals. For the Sonics, Powell stood up throughout the four quarters, whilst Williams scored 34 goals in the three quarters he was on.

Meanwhile in an identical scoreline, Geelong Cougars helped out the Wolves by knocking off the fourth placed Melbourne Quakes. The incredible Cougars poured on 66 goals to 42, with the middle two quarters featuring 36 goals to 17 in the real difference. Much like the Wolves-Sonics game, the Quakes led at quarter time before being overwhelmed by the stacked Cougars side. Tim Marshall led the way in goal keeper for the Cougars, teaming up well with Adam Franz in the first term, before Franz went into centre for the second half.

Cameron Allum scored 20 goals in the third term and 38 for the match, as the a shift from Zanna Woods into goal attack for the final term yielded 12 goals, and 15 for the match for her. Chloe Gray stood out for Melbourne, playing a range of positions from centre to goal attack and then wing defence, whilst Jed Christian (27 goals) was the Quakes’ top scorer.

The top-of-the-table Parkville Panthers also flexed their muscles with a comprehensive 68-39 win over Ariels to remain undefeated. In what was a consistent performance of at least 15 goals a quarter, the side only had seven players, but switched roles at half-time to mix it up., The Ariels had nine players take the court, but could not quite find the answer to sopping them, though Sam Silvester (14 goals) was amongst the best. Kurt Thompson put up 21 goals for the Ariels in the loss.

For the Panthers, Riley Richardson continued his fantastic form this season with a half in centre and a half in wing defence, while Jake Hederics switched between both defensive goal circle roles in the match. Connor Lilly (40 goals) was huge in the goal circle, working well with Amy Starzer (28).

MIXED PREMIER DIVISION ROUND 7 RESULTS:

Valley Wolves (66) defeated Eastside Sonics (42)
Geelong Cougars (66) defeated Melbourne Quakes (42)
Parkville Panthers (68) defeated Ariels (39)