By ROY WARD
MONASH University Central cut out its errors and reaped the rewards with its best win of the new Victorian Netball League championship division season on Wednesday night.
Central beat the much-improved Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels 58-46 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre and in the process took its win-loss record into positive territory with its second win in three matches.
Central coach Leesa Maxfield said her side was beginning to come together.
“Our defensive pressure was again very good and our attack really stepped up,” Maxfield said.
“Overall we are just starting to jell as a team and be disciplined in what we do.
“We’ve cut out our errors and didn’t have the drop in concentration that we had in earlier games. That made a big difference.”
Shooter Steph Tyrell (32 of 38 shooting) had an exceptional game, as did the rest of Central’s goal circle, who made good use of the turnovers forced further up the court.
“Steph Tyrell really stepped up,” Maxfield said.
“She has come up from division 1 this season and she is now used to the speed of the game and the players around her. She is starting to fit into the team.
“Helen Barclay in defence was as consistent as ever and Nat Tommasini at wing defence was on their strongest player and kept her quiet.”
Maxfield was also happy her side adjusted well to several changes at half-time to extend their margin.
Central faces premiers City West Falcons this Wednesday night and, while the Falcons haven’t had the best start to the season, Maxfield is wary of a form reversal. “You can’t discount them,” Maxfield said.
“We just have to concentrate on what we can do, keep up our pressure and keep our error rate low.
“If we do that and execute the game plan, the result will take care of itself.”
In division 1 Central and Ariels drew 38-38 while in under-19s the Ariels had a 47-31 win over Central.
VNL championship ladder: Southern Saints 12 points, 163.09 per cent; Peninsula Waves 12, 139.65; VU Western Lightning 8, 128.57; City West Falcons 8, 105.40; Monash University Central 8, 101.52; Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels 4, 99.25; Boroondara Genesis 4, 99.18; UB Ballarat Pride 4, 60.43; North East Blaze 0, 93.07; Geelong Cougars 0, 66.25.
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