The Navexa Geelong United Youth League Women have received an indication of what it takes to compete with the best in the Big V Youth League One division on Saturday night.
United, who were without big Georgia Cox (NBL1), suffered an 88-52 loss to the unbeaten Eltham at Eltham Secondary College, with a 24-4 run by the Wildcats in the second quarter snuffing out any hopes of an upset by Jason Bannerman’s squad.
Ball security was Geelong United’s undoing, with 28 turnovers handing Eltham extra looks on offence.
In all, the Wildcats took 79 shots and converted 45 per cent of those, while United was held to just 54 shots at 28 per cent.
Casidhe Green battled hard for 18 points to go with seven rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block.
However, Vanessa Marsh was the only other United player in double figures, finishing with 13 points.
She also grabbed seven rebounds, dished two assists and had two steals.
A return meeting on the road against Sunbury, which United overcame by five points in Round 5, is next on the agenda for the Youth League Women’s team.
The Navexa Geelong United Youth League Men had their five-match winning streak snapped following a disappointing loss to Keysboroough at Geelong Arena on Saturday afternoon.
In scenes eerily similar to the Round 1 loss to Collingwood, United led by 15 points at half-time.
However, they were outscored in the second half 51-23 to drop to fifth on the ladder with a 5-2 win-loss record.
Max Zalakos led United’s scoring with 21 points, with Bailey Bruce (13 points) and Hamish Goodier (10) the only other scorers in double-figures.
A road double-header at Camberwell and Hume will give the Youth League Men’s team a further indication of their ability to challenge for the title, with both the Dragons and Broncos sitting third and first, respectively.
