By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons are the only undefeated team left in the Victorian Netball League after a commanding performance in the top of the table clash.
The Falcons and Boroondara Express both entered Wednesday’s grand final rematch undefeated.
It was the Falcons in front at every break on the way to a 72-56 win.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy with how they played.
“I thought they did really well,” she said. “Boroondara is a really strong side and I thought they had lots of variations and they threw all of them at us.
“Credit to us for adapting and I think that is where we did well. We did a lot of homework on them, I think that paid off a bit.
“We knew that we would only play them once in the rounds, so we wanted to have a good hit out.”
Lind said she thought they didn’t waste the ball a lot and were really solid in attack.
She said the defenders adapted really well, especially after the Express brought Zanna Woods onto the court.
Charity Nasalio, the one new addition to the Falcons this season, was outstanding at goalkeeper.
Lind said she just fits in really well with the other girls.
“Has a great relationship with the other girls and is so committed,” she said. “A lot fitter when we first saw her come from New Zealand.
“She has just fitted in beautifully and is a good person too. I think that shows on the court too, really trusting.
“I can’t believe she’s able to pinpoint someone in the mid third in transition with just two hands.”
The Falcons got the win with only nine players available.
Lucia Fauonuku missed the game through illness.
Jane Cook was also unwell but managed to get on the court and still shoot 64 goals from 67 attempts.
The other thing that pleased Lind was the intensity of the group from start to finish.
“Chasing loose balls,” she said. “I think Maggie [Lind] chased one over here, Sophie [Hanrahan] chased one over there.
“Charity, Liv Cameron. We did a few drills on desperation the last couple of weeks, so that has paid off.”
It was a good night for the Falcons with their 23 and unders getting back on the winners list, with a 58-46 win.
Outside of a slow start to the second quarter the Falcons dominated the contest.
Among the highlights, Imogen Sexton made her debut, shooting 19 goals. Sexton, who is 16, has come through the pathways at Altona.
The Falcons changed things up in the win with Lani Fauonuku moving from goal attack to goal defence, with Lind saying she had a red hot crack go in defence.
The Falcons have another test next week, taking on the North East Blaze.
