A Graders ready for qualifying fight

HEATHCOTE’S netballers believe they can win the fight to qualify for this year’s A Grade finals in the Heathcote District Netball League.

Co-coach of the Saints’ A Grade team and mid-courter, Brooke Bolton said the players had worked hard to be in fourth place after 12 rounds.

The Saints who also have Kelsey Hayes as joint coach have the bye this weekend ahead of big games at Elmore, and then at Barrack Reserve against Mount Pleasant.

On a win-loss tally of five and six, Heathcote is fourth in the premiership race.

The Saints are in a great duel with Mount Pleasant and North Bendigo, also on 20 points to decide fourth and fifth and a finals berth.

After the match at Elmore, Heathcote is up against teams lower on the ladder.

The run home for the Saints includes home games against Mounts on 29 July, and North Bendigo on 12 August.

Bolton said greater consistency in matches and every round was a goal Heathcote kept striving for.

Last round the Saints were up against the powerful White Hills team at Heathcote.

“We were a bit slow to start, but built momentum toward the end of the first quarter and then played well to be within four goals in the second,” she said.

The Demons eventually won 51-31.

“We have definitely improved since the previous match when White Hills beat us by 45 goals,” Bolton said.

“We showed we have the ability to match them, but need to be more consistent in games.”

A Grade – Heathcote 31 – White Hills 51

A Reserve – Heathcote 24 – White Hills 45

B Grade – Heathcote 13 – White Hills 60

B Reserve – Heathcote 21 – White Hills 62

17 & Under – Heathcote 58 – White Hills 15

15 & Under – Heathcote 23 – White Hills 46

13 & Under – Heathcote 41 – White Hills 10