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KDL | Merrigum out to rebound from round one loss

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Bouncing back: Breanna Baker and Merrigum will be out to rectify last week’s loss to Stanhope. Photo by Aydin Payne

Merrigum A-grade netball coach Olivia Jackson is hopeful her outfit can bounce back this weekend from a disappointing loss in round one.

The Bulldogs suffered a surprise six-goal defeat to Stanhope last weekend.

Jackson highlighted that accuracy on goals hurt the Bulldogs in the 33-27 defeat.

“We definitely have a few things that we need to work on,” Jackson said.

“Last weekend our defence was terrific but we need to focus on our shooting. Our accuracy let us down but that’s an easy fix. It was only the first round and we go again this week.”

Merrigum returns to its home court for the first time with a Sunday clash against Nagambie.

The Lakers cruised to a 66-35 triumph in a game that they controlled from start to finish.

Rylee Alderton and Sharni Lloyd both gelled well in attack for the Lakers and Jackson’s defensive combination will have their work cut out for them.

Making matters worse for the Bulldogs, they enter this weekend still without Jackson and star player Kate Sloan.

The duo missed round one and are nursing injuries sustained in pre-season.

“It will be another tough game. Nagambie are always a strong team and tough to beat,” Jackson said.

“We definitely have our work cut out for us, but it should be a great contest.”

Around the courts, Rushworth and Lancaster will have sights on going back-to-back on Saturday.

The two outfits kicked off their respective campaigns with memorable wins and get the chance to move to 2-0 from two rounds.

Speaking after her side’s win last week, Rushworth coach Sarah West said the Tigers would quickly savour the win before turning their gaze to the road trip to Lancaster.

“We will enjoy the win but we know we have got to keep putting in the hard work,” she said.

In the remaining matches, Longwood hits the road to take on Undera, while Avenel is at home to Dookie United.

Shepparton East plays host to Violet Town, while Tallygaroopna and Girgarre will lock horns at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve.

Lastly, Murchison-Toolamba will be out to bounce back from its loss to Rushworth with a home match against Stanhope.