By Elly Kirlis.
Kilsyth Cougars Crimson claimed their first win of the 2025 Ringwood Mazda EFNL netball Division 10 season, defeating UFTG Blue by five goals in a thrilling performance at HE Parker.
Both teams won two quarters each, Cougars winning the first and third quarter to produce a thrilling 34-29 triumph.
It was a dominant opening half from Kilsyth Cougars Goal Shooter Lucy Badrock that played a role in her side’s strong win on Friday night. She finished with 17 goals for the match, 17 of them coming in the first two quarters.
The shooting load was shared evenly and playing a critical role in the sides victory, with Kayla Trussell finishing with 10 goals, Zoe Ford with four goals, Jessica Kidd.
Cougar’s saw strong efforts from Jess Craig, Defence, who fought every minute on court with close body presence and pressure over every incoming ball. (Last years Runner Up Best and Fairest).
Coming across from Lilydale, new recruit Zoe Ford kept the ball flowing smoothly down court while in centre, adding speed through the midcourt with strong drives for the ball before seemlessly jumping into GA and making an impact in our goal third.
Coming across from Ferntree Gully, Alex Tan was brilliant in the midcourt, giving it her all game in the Centre bib and Wing Attack. Tan controlled the speed of the game as we all tired and gave 100% to every task handed to her.
Kilsyth Cougar’s ability to apply great amounts of pressure to their opposition, was the catalyst in their strong start to the match.
UFTG Blue won the second quarter, 10-8, led by Felicity Bathgate, helping her side get back into the contest, scoring 15 goals for the half.
UFTG controlled things in the midcourt, led by Bridget Harold, helped find transition down the court into the attacking end, with the Cougars maintaining a four-goal lead.
The Cougars lifted their work rate in the third quarter, winning the quarter 10-7, extending the margin to seven goals approaching the final quarter.
UFTG Blue had a terrific term in the last, scoring seven goals to give. Whilst UFTG were resilient, the Cougars finished the game strongly, which resulted in them winning their first match of the season.