Lockington-Bamawm United has claimed a crucial 18-goal win over North Bendigo on the weekend, a result that sees it jump back into the top five in the Heathcote District Netball League.
Needing a win with finals just around the corner, the Cats rose to the occasion as they topped the Bulldogs 53-35 on Saturday.
LBU coach Jess Hardess said it was a win her side simply had to have.
“We neeeded it. There was absolutely no question about it that we needed a win this week — not only for our finals hopes, but as a lift before the Colbinabbin game this weekend,” Hardess said.
The result sees the Cats move back into fifth spot, with LBU just ahead of both Leitchville-Gunbower and Huntly by percentage with two rounds left to play.
Hardess said she was pleased with the way her side played in a high-pressure situation.
“It took us a couple of minutes to settle, then we were up and running,” she said.
“We were up by six after the first quarter, and then we pushed the margin out every quarter after that, which was really good.
“North have had a good run and they have been playing some great netball lately, so it was good to see the girls work hard and get over the line.”
Hardess said it was a fantastic team effort across the board, with a couple of players also standing out.
“Everyone stood up and did their job. Everyone played phenomenal,” she said.
“A special mention to Sarah Ogden, she was definitely the best-on, and Maddy Atherton had a consistent, great game.
“Sarah had nine intercepts playing centre and countless tips. It was fantastic.”
With only three wins in their past three seasons and with the Cats chasing their first finals appearance since 2017, Hardess said she had noticed a change in her side’s attitude as it competed for finals netball.
"I think we are starting to not discount ourselves. We know that no teams are taking it easy against us,“ she said.
“It’s the confidence in each other that has been really good. The confidence in any seven girls to step on the court and smash it.
“We are just really excited to be in this position. We are really starting to play with some control and settle down when we have people on our tails , which is experience which this club hasn’t been able to get for a while.”
LBU will be hoping to maintain its finals spot this weekend when it takes on fourth-placed Colbinabbin.