WHEN they looked at the A Grade draw, Heathcote co-coaches Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes knew it would be a testing start to their Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL netball campaign.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s panned out that way as the Saints have faced two of last season\u2019s top three in Colbinabbin and White Hills.<\/p>\n
Next up after the club\u2019s bye is reigning premier Elmore on Heathcote\u2019s court at Barrack Reserve.<\/p>\n
The Saints will be keen to strike back after a 68-23 loss to White Hills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe night game at White Hills was an opportunity to mix up the line-up and try some systems,\u201d Hayes said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have learnt a lot from all three games so far,\u201d she said of a 15-goal loss on Colbinabbin\u2019s court, 23-goal victory against Leitchville Gunbower at home, and then up against a formidable Demons line-up.<\/p>\n
The Saints do regain star mid-courter Brooke Bolton for their match against Elmore.<\/p>\n
Stand-out players in Heathcote\u2019s run include goals hooter Annalyse Carroll.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnnalyse scored 40 goals against Leitchville Gunbower, and made some crucial intercepts as well,\u201d Hayes said.<\/p>\n
A brilliant goaler, Carroll\u2019s defensive work inspires team-mates.<\/p>\n
A dual winner of the Esther Cheatley Medal as league fairest and best, Bolton\u2019s skill and leadership is a massive plus for the club.<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper Jen Van Neutgem has also excelled in all three matches for the Saints.<\/p>\n
The agony of a sixth-place finish in season 2022 is a key motivator for Heathcote who after Elmore will play Mount Pleasant at Toolleen, Lockington Bamawm at home, and then travel to North Bendigo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Grade – White Hills 68 – Heathcote 23<\/p>\n
A Reserve – White Hills 40 – Heathcote 25<\/p>\n
B Grade – White Hills 60 – Heathcote 15<\/p>\n
B Reserve – White Hills 49 – Heathcote 9<\/p>\n
17 & Under – White Hills 18 – Heathcote 52<\/p>\n
15 & Under – White Hills 59 – Heathcote 12<\/p>\n
13 & Under – White Hills 11 – Heathcote 22<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WHEN they looked at the A Grade draw, Heathcote co-coaches Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes knew it would be a testing start to their Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL netball campaign. It\u2019s panned out that way as the Saints have faced two of last season\u2019s top three in Colbinabbin and White Hills. Next up after the […]<\/p>\n