A BARNSTORMING start to the season continued for Old Collegians yesterday as they disposed of a highly-rated contender.
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The Warriors made it eight straight wins when they defeated Dennington 52-37 at the Davidson Oval courts.
The win was set up by a quick start, with the Warriors marching to a handy 15-9 quarter-time lead.
They extended their control of play in the second quarter to lead 27-16 at half-time, to have the game in their keeping.
During an even second half the Warriors stretched their final winning margin to 15, a result which has given them a two-game break on the top of the ladder.
Old Collegians coach Lisa Arundell said the victory was her team’s most impressive for 2014.
“The pleasing thing about the win is that it was the best we have played all season,” Arundell said.
“Dennington are a quality opposition and we were able to rise and meet that challenge.
“It felt like a lot tighter game than the score showed. They are a tough team to play because their height causes problems all down the court.
“But we used our speed well to give us an edge and our shooting accuracy was very good.”
Arundell praised the performance of teenager Rachel Alderson, who has made the centre position her own this season.
Other prominent performers for the Warriors included goal attack Steph Townsend, who was on target with 36 goals, while Maddie McLeod was lively at wing attack.
The loss for Dennington caused it to drop from second to third on the ladder.
Dogs coach Sue Fleming, who was one her team’s best player from her post at goal keeper, said Old Collegians showed why they were the team to beat this season.
“They have some great set plays and they execute them well,” Fleming said.
“They were a bit sharp and caught us off guard but we have learnt a lot for the next time we come up against them.
“It was a learning exercise for us and they are definitely the ones to chase.”
The Dogs went into the game without key player Kelsey Perry and they will now be without wing attack Mary Smith, who is unavailable for the next five weeks.
They are now one of four teams on six wins.
After the interleague break the Warriors have an encounter against the winless East Warrnambool