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PDL | Kats fall to Bombers in exciting netball contest

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Looking for a pass: Katandra’s Laura Lawn gets play under way. Photo by Daniel Webb

Despite an interrupted start to the season, Waaia has managed to produce another strong victory in the Picola and District League A-grade netball competition.

Eyes up: Waaia’s Helen Williams takes aim. Photo by Daniel Webb

The visiting Bombers battled out an entertaining contest with Katandra on Saturday afternoon, with the red-and-black side managing to come away 41-to-54 winners.

On the move: Katandra’s Georgia Nelson looks to release the ball. Photo by Daniel Webb

Waaia co-coaches Milly Foster and Rosie Arnel said the side played really well in the windy conditions.

“I think we played our own game and kept our level heads,” Foster said.

Game face: Waaia’s Ruby Arnel had a good game on the court. Photo by Daniel Webb

“It’s actually our first game all together as well, I think it worked seamlessly, the rotations and stuff, we had changes every quarter and I think it worked really well.”

Defensive duties: Waaia co-coach Milly Foster attempts to block Katandra’s Bree Dudgeon. Photo by Daniel Webb

“It shows the versatility of our girls,” Arnel said.

With plenty of interruptions to the start of the season, Waaia has essentially been playing one week on and one week off, Foster describing it as the most inconsistent half of the season.

On target: Waaia’s Abbey Bell had a great game. Photo by Daniel Webb

“It hasn’t shown on the court I don’t think, we’ve been having hard trainings and then the second half (of the season) is really consistent so we’re looking forward to it,” Foster said.

Helen Williams was named best-on-court for the Bombers, with Arnel praising her consistency.

Under control: Waaia’s Chelsea Thorne looks for a teammate. Photo by Daniel Webb

“Our second best was Abbey Bell for her confidence, movement and consistent strategy and we had our third best as well, Ruby Arnel, she played a clean and smart game,” Arnel said.

For Katandra, the result was disappointing, with coach Bec Osmond saying the side knew it could play better than it did.

Taking a shot: Katandra’s Elly Keating looks at goal. Photo by Daniel Webb

“Our first quarter was disappointing but we came out sort of late in the second quarter and the third and the fourth and they were much cleaner,” Osmond said.

“We had some really good passages of play so that’s what I told the girls after the game, as disappointing as that loss is that we take that positive out of the game that there was some really good work up and down the court.”

In charge: Katandra coach Bec Osmond in the defensive ring. Photo by Daniel Webb

Osmond said Chelsea Batey was once again one of the side’s standout performers.

“Chelsea Batey in goal defence, she’ll always give you 110 per cent, she goes at everything and Elly Keating down in attack too, she really opens up the court a lot more and she’s just a really smart netballer.

On the run: Katandra’s Elly Keating making space on the wing. Photo by Daniel Webb

“Two shining lights down both ends of the court.”

The win sees Waaia remain undefeated and in second spot on the ladder, while Katandra sits in 10th.

In other round six games, Jerilderie battled out a close four-goal victory against Picola United at home.

Defensive duties: Waaia’s Milly Foster looks for a teammate. Photo by Daniel Webb

Katamatite produced a strong 63-to-29 win against Tocumwal at home, while Tungamah got things done against Blighty and Strathmerton had a convincing win over Deni Rovers.

Rennie, Mathoura and Katunga all had a week off.