Improved accuracy a goal for Saints

BETTER conversion of goalscoring chances will be a major goal for Heathcote in this Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Netball League season.

The Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes-coached Saints will be back on their court at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve to take on North Bendigo.

As Heathcote strives to bounce back from its first defeat of the season, the Bulldogs will be just as desperate to notch their first win of the ’24 campaign.

In round three, Heathcote headed across to Colbinabbin.

“Our defensive pressure across the opening three quarters was excellent,” Bolton said of taking on last season’s runner-up.

“We worked really hard to keep Colbo to 30 goals by three quarter-time.”

In the last it was the Grasshoppers who jumped away to record a 47-30 victory.

“We were not as accurate in the goal circle this round and had too many turnovers, especially in attack, which was a credit to Colbo’s defence,” Bolton said.

Best players for the Saints were Hayley Hogan at wing defence and Chloe Hill at goal defence.

“They both had plenty of intercepts and deflections, but we could not convert a lot of those opportunities.”

Heathcote’s depth is being tested. Talented mid-courter Chelsea Caughey ruptured an ACL in the round two win against Lockington Bamawm United and will not play again this season.

Kelsey Hayes injured an ACL in the first round and the gun defender is in doubt to play again this season.

Among the highs of this Saturday’s netball will be the rematch of ’23 A-grade grand finalists White Hills and Colbinabbin at the Scott Street court in White Hills.

The Harlowe Huntly Hawks are home at Strauch Reserve to play Lockington Bamawm United.

Leitchville Gunbower faces Elmore at Gunbower. Mount Pleasant has the bye.