PORT Fairy boasts one of the most formidible defences in Hampden league netball ranks.
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But it was the younger of its key pillars who shone brightest in the Seagulls’ 34-27 round one win over Cobden on Saturday.
Former league best and fairest winner Carly Watson was instrumental playing alongside high profile teammate, ex-Australian Diamond Demelza Fellowes.
Port Fairy coach Sarah McCorkell said goal defender Watson used her fitness base to create havoc for the Bombers’ goalies.
“Carly just gave us legs all day. She constantly got hands to the ball, turnovers,” she said. “She was exactly what we needed.”
McCorkell said Port Fairy was pleased with Fellowes’ contribution in her first game for the club.
“Her leadership down her end is fantastic and just what she brings to that whole defensive end and her positivity throughout the team (helps us),” she said.
“She’s co-captain this year, so she’s definitely a leader on and off the court.”
McCorkell said the wind and heavy downpours impacted the game but not the Seagulls’ spirit.
“We have a really great team. It was positive all game on the court and we had each other’s backs and I think that got us there in the end,” she said. “We’ve got a good combination of height, speed, depth and we have a really fit side and that helps too.”
Cobden coach Nadine McNamara said the Bombers had four new faces and were “excited and aware it’s going to take a couple of weeks to get our systems better”.