REDAN coach Ashlee Smith believes a breakthrough win against East Point last Saturday will breed confidence in the playing group.<\/p>\n
After a pair of close misses, including a nail-biting four-goal loss to reigning premiers Sunbury on Good Friday, the Lions got the confidence boost they needed in a five-goal win over the Kangaroos at Eastern Oval.<\/p>\n
They showed plenty of resilience to fight back from a three-goal deficit at quarter-time, to even up the scores at half-time.<\/p>\n
Still tied at 30-apiece at three-quarter-time, the Lions saved their best for last, underpinning a courageous win with a 12-7 final term.<\/p>\n
Back in the lineup for the first time this season, playing coach Smith hailed the win as a reward for effort following two narrow losses.<\/p>\n
“I’m definitely relieved to get something on the board \u2013 there’s been a few close calls \u2013 but it’s the first week we’ve had our full team,” she said.<\/p>\n
“The first two games were great contests \u2013 I was pretty happy with them.<\/p>\n
“We’ll definitely be prepared for those teams next time.<\/p>\n
“I’m not too sure what things will look like going forward, but it’s promising.”<\/p>\n
Smith, who missed the Lions’ first two games due to national championships commitments with Victoria’s open mixed team, praised her team’s strong rebound from defence and patience in the midcourt.<\/p>\n
Encouragingly for Redan, recruit Tahlia Thompson shone at goal attack, topping all Lions goalscorers with 20 in her three quarters on court.<\/p>\n
“We really worked hard throughout that last quarter, pressure-wise, to maintain the lead,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
Smith gave full credit to East Point for a tough challenge, underpinned by the accurate shooting of Olivia Ashby and Lauren Jew.<\/p>\n
Ashby led all players on the court with 28 goals.<\/p>\n
The Lions were unlucky not to have already had some points on the board after their draw against Bacchus Marsh in round two was overturned on appeal, giving the Cobras a one-goal win.<\/p>\n
They will look to carry their momentum into this Saturday’s clash against Sebastopol, which is coming off a 24-goal loss to Melton and still looking to settle on its best lineup.<\/p>\n
With a trio of competitive performances under their belts, Smith is happy with the Lions’ progress so far this season.<\/p>\n
“I’m really liking our versatility; we’ve got heaps of combinations in our goaling ring and in our midcourt,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We’re well prepared for any combinations we come up against.”<\/p>\n
In other games this Saturday, Lake Wendouree (3-0) will look to extend its unbeaten start to the season against Darley (2-1); Ballarat (0-3) hosts top-of-the-ladder Sunbury (3-0); and Melton (1-2) and North Ballarat (2-1) clash at MacPherson Park.<\/p>\n
Bacchus Marsh and East Point played their round four game on Good Friday, with the Cobras emerging victorious 34-28.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
REDAN coach Ashlee Smith believes a breakthrough win against East Point last Saturday will breed confidence in the playing group. After a pair of close misses, including a nail-biting four-goal loss to reigning premiers Sunbury on Good Friday, the Lions got the confidence boost they needed in a five-goal win over the Kangaroos at Eastern […]<\/p>\n