Kalkee’s Clair McDonald mimicked Sudholz’s shift from goal keeper to wing defence, to great effect in the second half, helping turn the ball over and driving it in the opposite direction.
Kees goal defence Penny Fisher was also in fine form throughout the match, limiting dangerous Rupanyup goal attack Maddi Morgan to just 10 goals.
Panther goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen netted 25 goals, but was made to work for them, taking 40 attempts in her match-ups against first McDonald and then Lotus Martin.
The Kees were able to blunt Rupanyup’s efficiency enough to retake the lead in the dying moments, holding on for a 36-35 win. The result saw Kalkee retain a spot in the top three, behind only Noradjuha-Quantong and Laharum – the league’s sole undefeated teams.
No team has come within 18 goals of the Bombers after three rounds, as they saw off traditional rivals Natimuk United 48-20 on Saturday.
With Holly Nuske and Kate Cameron controlling the midcourt, Noradjuha-Quantong raced away to a 14-4 lead by quarter time.
Natimuk United responded admirably in the second quarter, scoring seven goals to the Bombers’ nine, as Olivia Sudholz slowed Bomber goal attack Jayne Tucker and Danielle Hanson worked hard at goal attack.
But the young Ewes were overwhelmed in the second half, as the Bombers boosted their percentage to more than 175 with the win.
Laharum is not far behind Noradjuha-Quantong with a percentage of 164, which the Demons garnished with a 63-46 win against Kaniva-Leeor United at Kaniva on Saturday.
The Cougars started brilliantly, with wing attack Zoe Hawker feeding goalies Blair Burke and Nikki Hawker well, and Melody Maddern doing her best to combat Laharum goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story. But the Demons’ class showed through with 18 goals to eight in the second term, and the team was never headed from there.
Melanie Russell was named Laharum’s best player at wing attack, while Maddi Iredell scored 28 goals.
Edenhope-Apsley banked its second win of the season by defeating Harrow-Balmoral 56-43, with Lavinia Fox’s 34 goals and Tahlia Sailor’s 22 proving too much for the Roos to overcome, despite strong defensive efforts from Megan Little. Swifts also continued their strong early-season form, downing Taylors Lake 54-34 at Dock Lake Reserve. Isabella Robson and Lisa Monaghan were best for the Baggies, while Harriet Overman led the Lakers with 16 goals.
Round four will see Swifts’ finals credentials put to the test in a game against Noradjuha-Quantong at North Park. Laharum will host Taylors Lake, Rupanyup will host Kaniva-Leeor United, Harrow-Balmoral will travel to Natimuk to take on the Ewes and Kalkee make a short trip to Pimpinio, while Edenhope-Apsley has a bye.
– Colin MacGillivray
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