Roosters ready for high-stakes Devils clash

NORTH Ballarat playing coach Maddie Fitzpatrick says the Roosters are pumped for the challenge of taking on undefeated reigning premier Darley this Saturday.

The clash of two of the BFNL’s netball titans at Mars Stadium will pit the only two unbeaten teams in the competition, albeit with the Roosters record reading six wins and a draw following a dramatic come-from-behind tie against Sunbury in round 4.

While the Devils moved to 7-0 with a 63-34 triumph over Redan last Saturday, the Roosters warmed up with a tough nine-goal victory at Sebastopol.

The Roosters set up their win with a polished 18-6 first quarter, but despite maintaining that lead going into the main break, had to weather a spirited fightback which brought the Burra to within three goals late in the third term.

After steadying to take a five-goal advantage in to the last term, the Roosters drew on their great mix of experience and youth to score what Fitzpatrick branded a ‘pleasing’ 54-45 win with plenty of upside.

“There was lots of great stuff from us, but still lots that we can work on,” she said.

“We probably could have kept their scoreline down a bit, but we’re happy. (Sebastopol) are a tough side.

“We had a few lulls and there were some unforced errors by us, to be honest. We were a bit wasteful going from defence into attack.

“Defensively, they (Sebastopol) forced a few errors of ours, but a lot were silly errors of our own.

“They are things we can easily fix and will work on going into Darley.”

Without star midcourter Kelsie Rainbow on Saturday due to illness, Fitzpatrick said the Roosters had still yet to field their full line-up this season, but hoped that day was coming soon.

The recent return of reigning league medallist Maddy Selmon (30 goals at 80.43 per cent against the Burra) has been an obvious boost.

“She is getting her confidence back and played nearly three quarters. It was great to see her out there today (last Saturday),” Fitzpatrick said.

“We have lots of great combinations. Being able to throw Georgia (Bodey) from goal attack to centre or wing attack and Brydi (Hutchinson) through the middle as well.

“I feel we have a lot up our sleeve we can use, but I’m pleased with what we are starting to see.”

Milly Simpson was relentless at goal defence, securing at least five turnovers in the first quarter alone, while Hutchinson was influential in the midcourt.

Fitzpatrick said the Roosters would embrace their first battle this season with Darley, the two clubs’ first meeting since last year’s preliminary final.

“They have a really great list and have strength all over the court, so there’s not one area in particular that we need to be at our best,” she said.

“But we’ll need to be consistent. I don’t think we’ve played a real consistent 60 minutes of netball yet this season.

“Pulling together a really strong and consistent 60 minutes of netball is what will serve us well.”

Darley won all three meetings against North Ballarat last season, each of them by eight goals.