In round 14 of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade season, Shepparton United netball triumphed over Benalla 46-33 at Deakin Reserve.
It was the Saints who jumped out of the blocks, starting on a two-goal to five-goal run, before the home side settled in, going on a run of its own, taking a six-goal lead into the first break.
“They settled nicely, and their shooter is extremely accurate and moves so well,” Benalla coach Jo Toms said.
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Benalla's Jacqueline Foster stretches out to block a United shot. Photo by Liam NashImage 2 of 5
Benalla's Chloe Elliott tosses the ball over the top. Photo by Liam NashImage 3 of 5
Shepparton United's Tamara Skinner was on fire under the ring against Benalla. Photo by Liam NashImage 4 of 5
Benalla's Kate Symes builds out from the defensive circle. Photo by Liam NashImage 5 of 5
Benalla's Jo Toms winds up to swing a left handed pass in. Photo by Liam Nash“When they got the ball back in their hands, they’ve got such clever players, and their shooters if they missed at all, only missed one or two for the day.”
The second quarter saw Shepparton United continue to establish a little bit of dominance around the court.
Despite a valiant effort from Benalla, with notable goals from Chloe Elliott and Ella Sheehan, the six-goal gap had extended to 10 at the half.
“We brought on a little bit more of an experienced line-up (at half-time) to help us settle in mid-court,” Toms said.
“At times we were quite erratic with the ball. There are times where you just don’t know what happens, but the consistency drops and you have to fight to get back in it, and then fight again.”
The third quarter started with a red-hot Elliot and Sheehan run of four of the first five goals, breathing life back into a Saints comeback.
But again, the home team was able to steady, taking a nine-goal buffer into the final term.
“Again, we didn’t do anything majorly wrong, just at this level of netball, you have to be able to convert your centre passes and capitalise on your intercepts,” Toms said.
“We’re just not consistent enough and it hurts us on the scoreboard.”
Shepparton United was able maintain momentum, and add a few extra to its tally as the fourth quarter moved on.
In what was a really valiant effort by Benalla, the final score was again one that it saw head in the wrong direction.
“We’re really pleased with the attitude and commitment,” Toms said.
“The girls are disappointed; they knew it was a really great opportunity to win but it doesn’t hinder our drive to fight for the first win next week against Mansfield.”
The resilience and determination shown in the final quarter against Shepparton United should serve as a positive foundation to build on.
With its continued efforts and adjustments made on the training courts, Benalla gets a chance to notch its first win of the year against a 10th-placed Mansfield this week.