SOUTH Warrnambool is tracking towards a round six blockbuster with Koroit after stretching its unbeaten record to three with a 50-34 victory against Terang Mortlake in a Super Saturday contest at Noorat Recreation Reserve.
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After a tight opening term (11-11), the Roosters held their depleted rival scoreless for the opening nine minutes of the second quarter to open a decisive 23-17 lead.
The result was sealed with an 18-7 third term.
With winnable matches against Cobden (round four) and North Warrnambool Eagles (round five), South could be undefeated when it meets the reigning premier at Friendly Societies' Park on May 21.
It would be some feat for the young Roosters, who have exceeded the expectations of coach Leah Kermeen with their bright start.
"I wasn't expecting going into round four to be 3-0, given the youth of the side but I think the girls' experience in (western region) state league has given them good exposure to the higher level," Kermeen said.
"We have Cobden and North and would be looking to continue our form, then we have Koroit before a bye (for interleague) so that's the challenge. Then we'll regroup after the bye."
Kermeen said Saturday's victory was achieved with all-court defensive pressure, enabling goal keeper Emily Allen (v Leah Sullivan) and goal defence Kate Butler (v Sharni Moloney) the opportunity for intercepts and deflections.
"This week we set more of a team focus," she said.
"After a dismal performance at Port Fairy (round two) it was vastly different."
Terang Mortlake was vulnerable without starting players Aimee Arundell (ankle), Jessie Meade (unavailable) and Renae Meade (unavailable), with playing coach Megan McKenzie giving top-level experience to 15 and under players Sharni Moloney, Joanna and Lisa Couch, together with 17 and under player Jess Baxter.
"It's good for them to play at the highest level they can," McKenzie said.
"The young girls never dropped their heads and weren't intimidated and there are positives to come out of it for them."
With defender Tania Barbary returning to the court after spending the third period on the bench, the Bloods won the fourth term 10-9.
"Our aim at three-quarter-time was to win the last quarter and get something out of it," McKenzie said.