Saints aim to improve start

A STRONG start is the goal for Heathcote’s A Grade netball team going into this Saturday’s eleventh round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

The Saints make their way to Gunbower determined to square the win-loss record at five-all.

It’s a crucial match for Heathcote against Leitchville Gunbower as North Bendigo’s win at Mount Pleasant last round drew the Dogs level on 16 points with the Saints in the duel for fifth place.

Co-coach of the Saints, Kelsey Hayes, said the opening term will be a key focus on the team’s play against the LG Bombers.

“We went into our home game against Colbinabbin knowing a full four-quarter effort would be needed to challenge them,” Hayes said of taking on the Grasshoppers.

It was Colbinabbin which led 16-9 by quarter-time and 35-16 at the main break.

A change by the Saints midway through the second term was to put Annalyse Carroll in attack.

In the third term, Maeve Hogan went to goal defence and her work rate along with goalkeeper Jen Van Neutgem played a crucial role as Heathcote won the quarter, 16-8.

Co-coach Brooke Bolton made some timely intercepts in mid-court throughout the second half, but playing catch-up netball after such a slow start caught up with the Saints.

Third in the premiership race, the Jen McIntyre-coached Grasshoppers won 58-42.

The Saints scored a 56-35 win against Leitchville Gunbower at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve in round two, but the trek to the Bombers’ court will be a big test.

A Grade – Heathcote 42 – Colbinabbin 58

A Reserve – Heathcote 35 – Colbinabbin 46

B Grade – Heathcote 36 – Colbinabbin 44

B Reserve – Heathcote 32 – Colbinabbin 55

17 & Under – Heathcote 51 – Colbinabbin 26

15 & Under – Heathcote 39 – Colbinabbin 32

13 & Under – Heathcote 24 – Colbinabbin 18