Sting of defeat to spur A Graders

HEATHCOTE co-coach Brooke Bolton said the sting of defeat in an A Grade netball elimination final would be a key motivator going into next season.

The Saints made a long-awaited return to the topflight play-offs by facing Mount Pleasant in last Sunday’s elimination final on North Bendigo’s court in Atkins Street.

It had been one-all in the regular season but slow start in the final would prove costly for Heathcote.

“There were a lot of nerves in the opening quarter, and Mounts was able to capitalise,” Bolton said of a seven-goal deficit.

The Saints won the second term, 10-8.

“There were a couple of positional changes which worked for us, but also our passing through the court improved a lot,” Bolton said.

The Saints led 31-29 at a quarter to play, but in the last it was the Carine Comer-coached Blues who lifted their play to win the term, 14-7, and the match, 43-38.

Bolton’s play through mid-court was a highlight for Heathcote, as Ainsley Tupper continued her great form in the Blues line-up.

Another key contributor for Heathcote was goalkeeper Jennifer Van Neutegem.

“It was one of Jen’s best matches of the season,” said Bolton. “She had an impact in a lot of contests.”

A Heathcote team jointly coached by Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes marked the club’s first A Grade final in 12 years.

“Kelsey and I are incredibly proud of what the girls have achieved,” said Bolton. “It’s taken a lot of work to be in the league’s top five.

“Many people at our club have put in plenty of effort, not just on the court, but off it.”

Bolton said the memory of the elimination final would be a driving force throughout pre-season.

“A goal is to keep getting better, not just next season, but every season we play,” she said.

The Saints’ rising stars are shining on the netball court.

In the 13 & Under competition, Heathcote scored a 23-12 win against Leitchville Gunbower in the qualifying final.

The Saints’ 17 & Under team will aim to bounce back from a qualifying loss to Colbinabbin when they play Mount Pleasant in Sunday’s first semi-final.

A Grade

Heathcote 38 – Mount Pleasant 43

17 & Under

Colbinabbin 42 – Heathcote 35

13 & Under

Leitchville Gunbower 12 – Heathcote 23