Gun goaler returns to circle

TOP goaler Annalyse Carroll returns to the circle as Heathcote faces Huntly in this Saturday’s A Grade netball match at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve.

After missing several rounds because of holidays, Carroll rejoins a Saints line-up which has made its way into the top five.

Teams are back in action after the league’s general bye across the King’s Birthday holiday long weekend.

Heathcote jumped to the fifth rung following the round seven win on North Bendigo’s court at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.

The Saints played one of their best matches of the season to score a 49-35 victory against the red, white and blue.

Heathcote and North Bendigo are locked on three wins apiece, but the Saints are 23 per cent clear of the fifth-placed Bulldogs.

For the Saints the focus moves to the Kym Bell-coached Huntly Hawks who are in seventh place.

Beat the Hawks and Heathcote could be two wins clear of North Bendigo which plays the unbeaten Elmore on the Bloods’ court this Saturday.

Heathcote co-coach and mid-court player Brooke Bolton said a consistent effort in every quarter would be a major goal as the season rolls on.

“We are still having patches where we drop off,” Bolton said. “It’s something we cannot afford to do, especially if we are to be competitive against the top teams.”

Bolton and co-coach Kelsey Hayes believe Annalyse Carroll’s versatility is a huge bonus.

The Saints could play Carroll in attack or defence, and could also do so with Maeve Hogan.