In a tough outing at the Benalla Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon in the Goulburn Valley Netball League, the Benalla Saints were defeated by a formidable third-placed Tatura with a final score of 70-21.
The Saints were right in the contest going into the first break, behind just 7-13. But it was Tatura that came out of the blocks with a red-hot start to the second quarter, scoring the first seven goals to establish a 13-goal lead early in the second term.
“They just wanted it more,” Benalla coach Jo Toms said.
“They came out focused and it just took us too long to adapt and shut it down. It was disheartening.”
Some real improvements showed in the third quarter from the Sainters, but Tatura’s class and scoring power was just a little too much to keep up with.
“They’re (Tatura) a really established team, they connect very well together with their defence into attack, but it was a really good game played in really good spirits,” Toms said.
“We got schooled but they all came upstairs to socialise, but it was a good game.
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Benalla’s Alex Davies shifts the ball forward. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 2 of 7
Benalla’s Ella Sheehan goes for goal. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 3 of 7
Benalla’s Natalie Pritchard launches an overhead pass. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 4 of 7
Benalla’s Megan Morrison works the ball out of defence. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 5 of 7
Benalla’s Megan Morrison fires off an acrobatic pass. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 6 of 7
Benalla’s Ella Sheehan waits to receive inside the ring. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 7 of 7
Benalla’s Jordie Willcock waits to see an option ahead. Photo by Brenden PaddockIt wasn’t the day Benalla was hoping for, but continued improvements were made, and some valuable and key lessons were learned along the way.
“Look, we came away with the loss, but the team is still so positive. We’re still really enjoying our netball, it’s the small wins we’re aiming for,” Toms said.
It doesn’t get any easier next week, as the Saints host the second-placed Mooroopna Cats, but it’s another challenge the ladies are looking forward to, and they’re not shying away.
“For us we’ll look at getting better from the round two result, just reducing that gap,” Toms said.
“We’ve had a few out or away for a few weeks, we’re hoping to get them back this week or next which will help, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and assessing where we’re at.
“We just want to reduce those margins as we go on, they’re the wins we look at.”
Regardless of the win-loss column, the team remains extremely upbeat, taking each game and lessons they learn on the chin, while looking to improve next time they take the court.
“I’m still so proud of the girls,” Toms said.
“For being there every week, giving me two nights of training, we’re still fighting for that first win.
“There’s never been a lack of want or determination and everyone remains so positive.”
Their upcoming match against Mooroopna presents another opportunity for the Saints to showcase their progress.
Coach Toms and her team are determined to learn from their experiences and give their all this coming Saturday.