Mansfield's Lucy Ward and Shepparton United's Hannah Onley.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton United produced a composed second-half performance to defeat Mansfield by nine points in round five of the Goulburn Valley League A Grade competition - pulling clear after a tightly contested opening.
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The clash began as an even battle, with both sides trading goals in the early stages as Mansfield’s Alexandra Ball and Molly Rekers proved influential in attack, combining well to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
At the other end, Claudia Plattfuss and Ash Gilmore provided strong responses for United, ensuring neither side could gain a clear advantage.
The first half was marked by momentum swings and consistent pressure from both teams, with scores remaining close as they approached the main break.
After half time, Shepparton United lifted their intensity and began to take control of the game and Sophie Garner became increasingly influential through the midcourt and attack, while Hannah Onley provided a strong and reliable presence under the post.
Their accuracy and composure allowed United to build scoreboard pressure, while their defensive unit worked hard to limit Mansfield’s scoring opportunities and disrupt their flow.
Despite continued efforts from Rekers and Ball, Mansfield struggled to match United’s consistency in the second half.
As the game wore on, United capitalised on key moments, converting turnovers into goals and gradually extending their lead.
The final quarter saw United finish strongly, with Onley stepping up in the closing minutes to convert crucial goals and push the margin out.
Mansfield managed late goals through Amy Dixon-Rielly and Rekers but United had already done enough to secure control in what proved to be an impressive 40–31 victory.
Neck-and-neck in the GVL ladder, this result means both sides emerged on equal points - eight for the season so far, after two wins and three losses, respectively, this term.
United coach Shinea Sali reflected on the performance, giving a balanced viewpoint on how she felt her players fared on court.
“It probably wasn’t our best performance, I would say but I think the last two quarters, we started to play some netball that was more like us,” she said.
“But the first half was not pretty!”
“We needed to start playing a safer style of netball, we were forcing a lot of errors - a few bad passes and just basic netball skills we were letting go a bit.
“So the message (at half time) was ‘let’s get back to basics and start playing like us’.
“We didn’t have our full squad this week but next week we’re looking like we’ll have our full squad back - so we’ll be looking at taking it right up to Echuca.
“The standard is super high this year so it’s going to be a tough race to make those final positions for everyone so every game is going to count!”
Earmarking the players who Sali felt were most impressive for her side on the day, she felt two of her charges particularly stood out.
“Montanagh Burke was very good, playing centre, wing attack and wing defence and her work rate was incredible.
“Claudia Plattfuss really stood up too as one of our younger goalers - she was great in that last half.”
Next up, the Demons will be hoping to use this result as a springboard for further success on the road at Echuca on May 9, while Mansfield will be targeting a swift response starting with its clash with Mooroopna in round six.
Elsewhere in round five, Seymour edged out Tatura in a tight contest, claiming a narrow 49–47 victory in one of the closest games of the round as Shepparton continued their strong form with a convincing 60–42 win over Rochester.
Meanwhile, division pacesetters Euroa delivered the most emphatic result, overpowering Kyabram 87–22 and the Shepp Swans were also impressive, comfortably defeating Benalla 56–25.
