HAMILTON Night went into last night's Western Regional State League match against Warrnambool District wanting just one thing redemption.
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The last time the two teams met, District was an 11-goal winner, but last night Hamilton turned the tables, walking out 12-goal victors, 55-43.
A brilliant second half from Hamilton set up the win . After a slow start, Hamilton found its feet, fighting its way back from a six-goal deficit early in the first term to have scores level midway through.
Hamilton trailed District 14-12 at the first break, but accurate shooting from goal attack Jessica McCallum and shooter Kelsey Lewis, under strong pressure from District's defenders Lisa Anders and Kate Ryan , kept them in the game.
The teams went goal-for-goal early in the second term before District again shot out to a six-goal lead mid-term.
Hamilton's goal keeper Rhianne Lewis got hands on the ball right as she was needed, taking brilliant intercepts late in the term which were in turn rewarded by Kelsey Lewis, who made it look easy, sinking goals from every angle to bring scores back to 26 apiece at half-time.
Hamilton continued the momentum it had built in the third, with an early run bringing a flurry of goals and a handy lead .
The side held its advantage to be 42-35 at the final break.
Centre Alley Feely was a force to be reckoned with, driving the ball to Hamilton's scoring end despite the best efforts of Districts' Megan Forth in wing defence. Hamilton ran away with the game in the final term, shooting another 13 to claim the win.
Coach Nat O'Dea said it was one of the best games the side had played in the competition.
"It all came together tonight. Our defence has been a standout each game, but we have struggled to get the ball to the other end and score," she said.
"We really just wanted to come into this game to make up for last time, but to win by 12 goals is just fantastic."
"Last time we played Alley Feely didn't have the best game, but she was brilliant tonight. Kelsey was making plays that even I as coach didn't know were possible and Rhianne was sensational."
In 17 and under games played last night Hampden Green defeated Colac District 48-35. Warrnambool City defeated Hampden White 47-29 and Camperdown Night defeated Warrnambool District 57-29.
In other open grade matches Hampden Green defeated Warrnambool City 40-35. Hampden White defeated Colac District 57-31.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
