Heathcote works on building connections

ALTHOUGH disappointed about the final margin, Heathcote coach Chloe Meulenmeesters said there were positive signs in Saturday’s first round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball.

The Saints made their way to Colbinabbin’s M.J. Morgan Oval to take on Mount Pleasant.

“We had some really great passages of play in attack where we are building connections,” said the Saints’ first-year coach.

It was the Anthea McCleary-coached Mount Pleasant which made a hot start in the warm conditions.

The Saints copped an early injury blow when centre Elisa Pica was hurt and off the court by the five-minute mark.

“Adapting after Elisa was hurt, the heat and the lack of fresh legs really hit us hard,” Meulenmeesters said.

Heathcote was able to generate turnovers in defence and mid-court, but converting chances into goals was at a low percentage.

By the final whistle the Blues led 61-24.

After a break for Easter, Heathcote’s players will be on their home court at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve on April 26 to play Colbinabbin.

The Jen McIntyre-coached Colbinabbin which was runner-up in ’24 had the bye last Saturday.

“It’s going to be a great challenge,” Meulenmeesters said.

“We are up against a team which has great on-court connection and a lot of skill.

“We will put in the work at training and be focussing on our game style.”

Round one of the Heathcote DFNL season tipped off with big wins in A-grade for Huntly and White Hills in Saturday night’s matches.

The Harlowe Huntly Hawks won 52-30 on Lockington’s court, as the Winslow Constructor White Hills Demons won on their Scott Street court against Leitchville Gunbower by 24 goals.

Closest match of the round was at Bendigo Club Oval in North Bendigo where Elmore fought on for a 36-31 victory against the Bulldogs.