Saints aim to build on hat-trick of wins

AFTER a three-game winning streak to complete the first half of the season, Heathcote’s A Grade netballers are keen to keep the run rolling.

The Saints are back on their court at Barrack Reserve to play Colbinabbin in this Saturday’s 10th round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

Wins across rounds seven to nine against LBU at home, North Bendigo away, and Huntly back at home, have now put Heathcote’s win-loss tally at four and four.

After last Saturday’s 17-goal victory against Huntly Hawks, Heathcote is in fifth place and a win and 33 per cent clear of sixth-placed North Bendigo.

Saints’ co-coach Kelsey Hayes said Colbinabbin would be a tough test with the third-placed Colbo finishing within three goals of White Hills last round.

Hayes said a key in the Saints’ recent march had been four strong quarters.

“We have also shown we can be flexible in positional moves the past couple of games,” she said.

Gun goaler Annalyse Carroll returned to the team after missing five rounds while overseas to lead the attack against the Hawks.

“Maeve Hogan was a dominant scorer in the first half and then went to defence,” said Hayes.

In the opening half Hayes teamed up in defence with Izzy Caughey and Jen Van Neutegem.

“We had multiple rebounds, intercepts and turnovers,” Hayes said of charging to a 30-13 lead by half-time against Huntly.

“Strong defence will be really important against a talented Colbinabbin team,” said Hayes who is joint coach with mid-court star Brooke Bolton.

The Jen McIntyre-coached Grasshoppers have a six and two record.

A Grade – Heathcote 54 – Huntly 37

A Reserve – Heathcote 29 – Huntly 40

B Grade – Heathcote 12 – Huntly 30

B Reserve – Heathcote 13 – Huntly 80

17 & Under – Heathcote 36 – Huntly 38

15 & Under – Heathcote 15 – Huntly 72

13 & Under – Heathcote 21 – Huntly 19