Ashlyn Materne goes aerial to disrupt Brooke Burness’ shot. Photos: Matthew Kappos.
Sheree Starling is staring down the barrel of a preliminary final against her former club.
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Her Tigers have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the Kyabram District League netball season — and proved their worth by handling Tallygaroopna in the semi-final at Stanhope Recreation Reserve.
Rushworth had the majority of possession through the first quarter in a low-scoring game, piling on five unanswered goals to start the match.
Sheree Starling orchestrated the flow of play from the middle.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
From there, Tally never got back in the contest, with Rushworth’s elite defence shutting down the Redlegs.
While Tally’s defence also held up, it was the Tigers’ attacking synergy and the play and antics of goal defence Ashlyn Materne that won them the day, 36-22.
Mikaela Hanson winds up for the long pass.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Starling reflected on the day and Rushworth’s identity as a top-tier defence in the competition, while also giving credit to the side’s attack, which is beginning to round into form.
“We started strong, I think we shot the first five goals of the game before we let them back in with a couple of mistakes,” she said.
Janelle Doolan secures it.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“It really came down to the defensive pressure at both ends.
“Both defence ends were amazing, our defenders weren’t letting them get too close to the post so they were having to shoot from distance, and then we rebounded really, really well.
“Our defence has been the highlight of the year and our goalers are stepping up at the right time.
“We did a bit of work right before finals on their holding in the ring and their connection from goal to goal, it’s really starting to pan out now.”
Montana Mylon dishes one in transition.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Starling outlined the value of Materne in defence and her flashy style of play winning over crowds for Rushworth.
“She (Materne) is a superstar, she stands out with their red hair and is very fancy,” she said.
“She loves the crowd, and getting them amped up so that's good.”
Kacey Barlow settles under the ball.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Following the victory, Starling will be forced to do battle with the club she won the premiership with just a year before.
Acknowledging the strength of the Kangaroos, Starling said the Tigers would focus on getting themselves right — the same as they’ve done all year.
Ashlyn Materne launches a long pass.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“I’d prefer not to be playing them (Girgarre), to be quite honest,” she said.
“It’s good for me because I know how they (Girgarre) play, but in saying that, we as a team haven’t really worried about the other team all year.
Janelle Doolan attempts the intercept.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“We’re only really concerned with ourselves, with our game and how we play and what we need to do, so, at the end of the day, it really comes down to who brings their best.”
The preliminary final will take place at 2.15pm at Central Park Reserve Court One.
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