Lots of on-court positives for A Graders

CO-COACH Brooke Bolton believes the Heathcote team can take a lot of confidence into Saturday’s second round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League’s A Grade netball action.

The Saints will aim to rebound from a 15-goal loss to Colbinabbin when they host Leitchville-Gunbower.

Heathcote and the LG Bombers were both beaten in round one, albeit by two of the long-time powers of A Grade netball in Colbinabbin and White Hills respectively.

Bolton said Heathcote put in a superb effort to take the lead in the third quarter of the match on Colbinabbin’s court.

The Grasshoppers regained a three-goal lead at a quarter to go and then took control to complete a 56-45 victory.

“The way the margin blew out in the last quarter was disappointing, but there were so many positives to take from the game,” Bolton said.

“Colbinabbin is such a strong team and always plays well at home,” said the Saints’ star mid-court and dual Esther Cheatley medallist as league fairest and best.

A highlight for the Saints was the synergy between goalers Georgia Bolton and Annalyse Carroll.

“They teamed really well for us last season and have made another great start.”

The Saints retained most of last year’s A Grade squad which finished sixth and have brought in Maeve Hogan at goalkeeper or goal defence, and Chelsea Caughey.

Heathcote’s team for the season opener included Isobel Caughey, co-coach Kelsey Hayes, and Jennifer Van Neutegem.

In the build-up to the showdown with the Bombers, Bolton said consistency in each quarter would be a goal.

“We were away to a slow start in most quarters at Colbinabbin,” she said. “It was great the way we fought back, but playing catch-up netball is not easy across 15-minute quarters.”

A Grade – Colbinabbin 56 – Heathcote 41

A Reserve – Colbinabbin 44 – Heathcote 32

B Grade – Colbinabbin 37 – Heathcote 12

A Reserve – Colbinabbin 44 – Heathcote 16

17 & Under – Colbinabbin 29 – Heathcote 46

15 & Under – Colbinabbin 25 – Heathcote 27

13 & Under – Colbinabbin 16 – Heathcote 19