Burra coach hails team’s depth after 2-0 start

SEBASTOPOL coach Kiya Eberle says a wide spread of contributions has been pivotal in the Burra’s impressive start to the BFNL season.

The Burra moved to 2-0 with a pleasing 47-28 win over Ballarat at Alfredton last Saturday.

A win that was rarely in doubt after they led by 11 goals at half-time has set up an intriguing Anzac Day encounter against Redan.

The Lions, who finished last year’s regular season in fourth spot on the ladder, are yet to open their account following losses to Sunbury last weekend and Lake Wendouree in round 1, and will be desperate to avoid losing early touch with the ladder’s top sides.

For the second straight week, Eberle praised her side’s versatility and application.

“We’ve worked really hard on having some depth; girls subbing in and out of different positions so we’ve got some options,” she said.

“It was a gritty game; we had to work really hard in parts. Ballarat did a really good job of coming at us physically and they have some great shooters.

“The depth really helped us fix some things on court.”

“I do love a sub. It’s great knowing we have depth – we didn’t have it last year.

“We really battled with our depth, but this year we have four girls who can shoot and four girls who can defend and depth in the midcourt.

“Tahlia (Watts) moving from goal defence to centre is working really beautifully for us.”

None were better for the Burra than Alice Kain deep in defence, racking up plenty of rebounds and deflections in tandem with Jami Luhrs.

In front of Kain and Luhrs, wing defence Nikki Allen provided leadership and grit, while Adut Manyiel (22 goals at 92 per cent) and Laura Bell (17 at 100 per cent) were near flawless under the ring.

Eberle paid credit to an improving Swans for a tough and relentless contest.

“They are young and have some new players and they have a bit of height on them,” she said.

“And they’re tough, which is something we like to experience.

“They will win games and, like us, are chalk and cheese to what they were last season with lots of changes (in personnel).”

The Burra will regain recruit Taylor Finch for the clash against Redan, which will be played at the later starting time of 4.30pm.

Eberle said her side was anticipating another tough contest.

“They look to be a young side … similar to us,” she said.

“We are really excited; they were a really tough and physical match-up for us last year.

“But we’re feeling confident going into it about playing our brand of netball and seeing where it leads.”