WILLASTON recovered from its shock loss to Nuriootpa three weeks ago to overcome Angaston by 18 goals in Barossa, Light & Gawler senior one netball on Saturday.

The Donnybrooks had the bye across the Anzac weekend in addition to the league bye for the Easter weekend, giving them three weeks to regroup after their defeat to the Tigers.

On Saturday, the Panthers started well and led by a goal at quarter-time, but it was a different ball game from thereafter.

Willaston clamped down the Angaston attack and restricted it to just nine goals for the second quarter, while scoring 16 of its own to lead by six at the main change.

The Panthers couldn’t find a way back into the contest as the Donnybrooks pushed on, scoring a further 25 goals to 13 to secure the win.

Willaston coach Kim Walker was delighted with her charges’ work ethic over the past fortnight, which got them the result.

“I was a bit nervous going into the game, we did a fair bit of work over the two-week break we had, putting in extra efforts, like extra training,” she said.

“We were making sure we were starting the season the way we wanted to start it.

“I think it kind of highlighted what we can do, we can play four quarters.

“It shows we’re able to continue going; when we were one-goal down, we made some decisions on how we’re going to approach the next quarter.

“We did what we were going to do, and we didn’t let that first quarter get onto us.”

Walker was ecstatic with a couple of her off-season recruits, particularly Lisa Emes (nee Bowman), and Nikki Dowden.

“Lisa stepped up really well, particularly in that second quarter, and she was accurate,” Walker said.

“We had some very good players; Nikki Dowden really shone and shut down their attacking end.

“I think everyone played a better game, and came together as a team.”

The Donnybrooks will host Barossa District this Saturday, while Angaston enjoys a week off before taking on the Bulldogs.

Around the grounds

Elsewhere, Gawler Central obliterated Tanunda by 68 goals.

The Tigers produced a stellar attacking and defensive display by limiting the Magpies to just 12 goals for the match, while scoring 80 of their own.

Meanwhile, the experience of Barossa District proved too strong for an in-form Nuriootpa, as the Bulldogs won by 18 goals.

The Tigers had been unbeaten in the lead up to the match, but were outclassed by the reigning premier.

Finally, Kapunda has stormed into the top two with a seven-goal win over South Gawler.

The Lions trailed by six goals at quarter-time and eight at half-time before rallying in the third.

Despite only being behind by three goals at three-quarter-time, the Lions were unable to match the Bombers in the final stanza and conceded 18 goals to 14.