By Tara Murray
Macedon’s strong form continued with a hard-fought win against Wallan in the Riddell District Netball League.
With two losses between the sides, both to Rupertswood, the match was always going to be a good test.
It was a slow start for the Cats, but they hit the lead at quarter-time.
The Cats extended the lead to seven goals at half-time and it was out to nine goals at the last break.
With no players left on the bench in the final quarter, the Cats maintained the intensity for most of the quarter, before tiring late.
But they had managed to do enough, winning 43-32.
Cats coach Ciara Stewart said it was a little bit of an unknown heading into the match.
“I was a little unsure how we would go as we didn’t have our full side.
“We also seem to play them when we’re not at full strength,” she said.
“We were missing Caitlyn [Alifraco], Hayley [Mathews] was sick and Janelle [Birch] is injured and she’s been on a minute restriction for the last few weeks.”
The Cats started with Mathews in goal attack, but she didn’t last long having been in bed sick all week, leaving them down a player early.
PHOTO GALLERY: Macedon vs Wallan
Stewart said while they had the lead throughout, they didn’t really feel like they had complete control of the game.
“The match seemed closer than what the scoreboard showed.”
Reigning Ryan medallist Chloe Wilson shot 34 goals from 41 attempts for the Cats.
The win moves the Cats to outright second, only behind an undefeated Rupertswood.
Stewart said they were happy with how they were travelling. Only a poor first quarter against Rupertswood prevented them from being undefeated.
“We’re still trialling some things and working on some new defensive styles and mixing things up.
“We’ve played all the top teams in Rupertswood, Riddell, Romsey and Wallan.”
The Cats have the bye this week.
Stewart said it was slightly frustrating having had the interleague bye last week, but said it would be good with a few players carrying injuries.
After the bye, Macedon faces Rockbank and Lancefield.
In other matches, all the favourites came away with wins.
Riddell defeated Broadford 52-37 after a slow start to move back into the top six.
Romsey had a solid 44-20 win against Rockbank, having gained the lead early in the match. Rebecca Hicks shot 35 goals for the Redbacks.
Diggers Rest beat Woodend-Hesket 47-35. Monika Dimovski shot 25 goals for the Burras, while Tara Burnip was the pick of the shooters for the Hawks, with 20 goals.
Rupertswood was too strong for Melton Centrals, winning 58-34. The Sharks used the match to try different combinations with 10 players getting on court.
