TIMBOON Demons look to have changed their fortunes in close contests after seeing off a challenge from Panmure to win 47-42 on the road.
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The Demons, who were on the wrong side of the ledger in a number of tight matches earlier this year, showed a steady hand even as the Bulldogs drew within two goals in the final term.
Demons coach Kelly Gowland said while her side never gave up the lead, the game was too close for comfort.
“I think we’re well experienced with close games … in the past, we had that lead but coughed that up and lost by a goal or two,” she said.
“It was really pleasing we were able to hold that lead.”
Importantly for the Demons, the win launched them into the top five. Gowland said the contest “ebbed and flowed” throughout.
“Our goalies shot really well … we just turned over the ball a bit getting it to them,” she said.
“Those errors weren’t costly in the end, but it certainly kept the margin quite close.”
Goal attack Hayley Plozza dropped in 22 goals and was among the Demons’ best in what was an even effort across the court, while young goal keeper Emily Jansen Van Beek was swift in finding rebounds. Sharni Smethurst was influential, coming on into wing defence from the second quarter.
Panmure coach Steph Jamieson said a 10-16 second quarter was costly for her charges, but was impressed by how they went about it in the other three.
“Our pressure (was good) and we’re backing each other up,” she said. “We’re starting to play our own game now. It’s a lot better to have that talk and pressure down the court. We’re starting to click.”
Jamieson praised Kate Browne, who usually plays goal shooter but rose to the challenge at wing defence.