A RUNAWAY start from Camperdown may have been the test that Koroit did not want, but needed.
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That is the thinking of Saints coach Kasey Owen after her side overcame a sluggish 8-14 start to defeat the Magpies 51-42 at Victoria Park on Saturday.
The Saints found themselves in unfamiliar territory early, having to fight their way back to level the scores by half-time, taking their momentum into the second half to lead by seven at three-quarter-time and finish nine-goal victors.
“We definitely had a terrible first quarter,” Owen said.
“We were a bit flat, a bit quiet. They came out strong – they always do.
“The silver lining is it’s good practice for us: we can learn to come from behind (and win). We haven’t really had to do that yet.”
Nell Mitchell dropped in 36 goals and was typically strong under the ring, while Carly Pulling made a good start in centre before moving into her former spot in wing defence and excelling in the second half as Owen sat on the bench.
Owen praised the defensive work of Emily Batt and Jess O’Connor, who lessened the influence of dynamic Camperdown goaling combination Jaymie (20 goals) and Emily Finch (22).
A much-altered North Warrnambool Eagles survived a second-half scare from Terang Mortlake to walk away 44-41 winners at Terang Recreation Reserve.
The Eagles were missing four senior players, with Skye Billings overseas and Rachael Ryan, Georgia Corbett and Sophie Chow all out with illness.
Eagles co-coach Jody Roth praised the junior players who stood up to fill the void, namely Molly McKinnon, who played a full game, Zoe Bussell, who played three quarters, and Maggie Kellett in the last quarter.
The Eagles trailed 9-10 after a close first quarter, but surged to a nine-goal lead following an 18-8 second term. The home team fought back in the third, piling on 12 goals to seven, but the Eagles held steady in the last to win by three.
“Credit to the girls, they worked really hard,” Roth said. “They kept their heads. They had to dig deep. It shows they’ve got good character.
“They brought it home and capitalised on some really good turnovers in that last quarter.”
Port Fairy is banging on the door of the top five after striking up its fifth win on the trot, defeating Hamilton Kangaroos 51-44. Carley Thomas (28 goals), midcourter Laura Lafferty and defender Carly Watson were among the Seagulls’ best.