Coach targets 50-plus goal mark

HEATHCOTE co-coach Brooke Bolton said a tally of 50 goals or more would be the aim in this Saturday’s sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

The Saints will be on their court at Pigeon Park in Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve to play Leitchville Gunbower.

It’s a massive game for both clubs. A win-loss tally of three-two has the Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes-coached Saints in fourth place in the premiership race.

Leitchville Gunbower had a three-one record rolling into the bye last round.

It’s been an impressive start to the season by a new-look LG team coached by Caitlyn Hamilton who crossed from Strathfieldsaye.

“Leitchville Gunbower has not shot under 50 goals per game this season,” Bolton said.

“We must be aiming for a score of 50-plus to be competitive, and also defend well.”

The Saints are on the rebound from a 69-37 loss to Elmore.

“It was a slow start and not enough defensive pressure early,” Bolton said of taking on one of the league’s best teams.

The Bloods raced to a 20-8 lead by quarter-time.

“Intensity lifted after quarter-time and goal accuracy improved,” Bolton said of the Saints’ play.

“Elmore went on to win every quarter,” she said of a match in which the Bloods had a Past Players Day as part of its 150th year celebrations.

The Saints went into the match at Elmore without Chloe Hill, unavailable, and Hayley Hogan had been unwell all week.

“Hayley played about half the game. Our defensive line-up was different and took away a lot of flexibility and ability to make changes,” Bolton said.

A highlight for the Saints was Telani Bibby in her A-grade debut.”Telani went on court late in the first quarter at wing defence and played well against a tough opponent.”