Saints a chance to grab fifth

HEATHCOTE has a great chance to jump to the fifth rung on the A Grade netball ladder in Saturday’s eighth round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

Win on North Bendigo’s court at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street and Heathcote will not only have marked consecutive victories but also improved the Saints to two and four record.

It’s fifth against sixth as the Saints take on the Shellie Davies-coached North Bendigo.

Heathcote put its best four quarters together as it claimed a 74-31 win at home at Barrack Reserve against Lockington Bamawm United last round.

Goal defence and Saints’ co-coach Kelsey Hayes said the attack was in top form.

“Georgia Bolton and Maeve Hogan were outstanding in goal,” Hayes said of passing the 70-goal mark.

The pair have stepped up in the absence of Annalyse Carroll who was outstanding in the opening four games, but is away.

“At this stage, Annalyse is likely to be back for our next home game against Huntly,” Hayes said of a 17 June meeting with the Hawks.

Mid-court star and co-coach Brooke Bolton was in hot form against LBU.

“Brooke would have had six defensive intercepts in the last quarter,” said Hayes. “We also had the Caughey sisters, Chelsea and Isbobel play well.”

Challenge for the Saints is to follow-up and claim their first away of the season.

“It will not be easy, but we are optimistic of putting another strong game together,” Hayes said. “It will take an all-court effort.”

A Grade – Heathcote 74 – LBU 31

A Reserve – Heathcote 35 – LBU 36

B Grade – Heathcote 33 – LBU 39

B Reserve – Heathcote 20 – LBU 37

17 & Under – Heathcote 38 – LBU 42

15 & Under – Heathcote 23 – LBU 43

13 & Under – Heathcote 20 – LBU 32