THE Hamilton Kangaroos were out to avenge their nine-goal loss to South Warrnambool earlier in the season when the blue and white side hosted the Roosters at Melville Oval in Hampden Football Netball League round 15 action on Saturday.
The two teams were evenly matched in the first term, as the scoreboard was locked at 13-13 at the first break.
It was the second term where the visitors grabbed control of the contest, as Hollie Phillips got the better of the Kangaroos defenders in her return to Melville Oval in new colours.
South Warrnambool finished won the second quarter, 18 goals to six, which eventually proved the difference.
Hamilton won the second half, 22-19, but was unable to reel in the deficit to eventually go down, 41-50.
Clare Crawford was named the Kangaroos’ best following her 21-goal haul, while Kelsey Lewis put up the other 20 for the home side.
Hollie Phillips top-scored for the red and white with 42 goals, while Isabella Rea was the standout for the visitors.
Kangaroos coach, Nat O’Dea said the pressure and intensity in the second term proved to be the difference between the two teams.
“South definitely lifted their work rate and pressure in the second quarter and that won them the game,” she said.
“Clare played a great game, first time round Clare was in WA, we lost Hayley Sherlock with illness prior to the game, so we swung Clare into GA.
“Clare has been such a team player this year - she can play any of those four attacking positions and play them well.”
Despite the loss, the result shows the blue and white are thereabouts with the top teams and will carry plenty of confidence into the remaining three games of the season.
O’Dea said she was happy with the progress the team had made this season and was excited to finish the season positively.
“We certainly matched a full-strength top-of-the-ladder South side for three quarters and I am so happy with the girls for doing that,” she said.
“They have come a long way, it's just such a shame we aren't featuring in finals this year.
“The girls and I are determined to finish the year strong with three wins, two of them at home.”
