They might be still finding out what makes each other click, but Girgarre’s A-grade netballers improved their season record to 3-1 on Saturday with a classy 12-goal win over Merrigum.
The Roos have been one of the surprise packets this Kyabram District League season following a disappointing 2022 campaign and first-year coach Sheree Starling has put it down to her young group enjoying its time out on court together.
Girgarre has lost the one game, which came in round one against Shepparton East and sits in fifth spot halfway through the split round.
Off-season recruit Lilly Waasdorp was a standout in goals on Saturday, with the former Tongala goaler “finding her feet” in her new squad.
Another recruit Abby Sergienko flexed her muscles in defence, while Darcy Stammers provided support in the defensive ring.
Midcourter Allana Adams has been consistent through centre and one of the highlights from the first month of play.
Despite coughing up an early lead, Starling’s group was able to regroup and regather to run out a 44-32 winner on the road.
“We’re such a young group, but we’re really enjoying playing together and you can tell everyone is having fun out there,” Starling said.
“It’s always one of the unknowns each season how teams will perform and I think we are a perfect example of that.
“We’ve got new players, a new coach, a lot of us haven’t played together before, so we’re still figuring out what works and what combinations work too.”
Starling saidd the slow first quarters could be put down to inexperience within the group.
The playing coach went on to praise her side for hanging in there while facing the early deficit.
“We’re slow out of the gates, but we seem to be able to improve as the match goes on,” Starling said.
“We were down by six or seven goals at quarter-time, but it’s such a positive group and at no point did they put their heads down.”
Around the courts, Lancaster got the job done over Murchison-Toolamba 36-29, while Stanhope crushed Rushworth 53-18.
Tallygaroopna continued its unbeaten run with a 55-25 triumph over Violet Town.