TORQUAY will have “nothing to lose” against the undefeated premiers Geelong Amateur tomorrow (Saturday, June 3) as the Bellarine Netball League (BNL) ties a bow on the first half of the 2023 season.<\/p>\n
Tigers head coach Sonia Harris said the clash at Queens Park would provide her side with a great opportunity to learn from the defending champions, no matter the result.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got nothing whatsoever to lose, it’s actually a really good chance to learn something from them and take something away from playing them, as we possess a lot of the same qualities as Ammos.<\/p>\n
“We might be able to run just as fast, jump as high, but it’s about understanding what we do well against them and how to combat their strengths throughout the season.”<\/p>\n
Torquay endured a shaky start to the BNL campaign against two of the strongest teams in A Grade, losing to Ocean Grove and Queenscliff in the season’s opening two rounds.<\/p>\n
But the Tigers bounced back in perfect fashion, winning their next six contests including last weekend’s game against Drysdale to go 6-2.<\/p>\n
Harris said once the defensive third tightened its grip on the game against the Hawks in the second quarter, the rest of the court was freed up as a result.<\/p>\n
“We were probably lacking in our defensive pressure in that first quarter, so once we got a hold of that, coupled with some injuries for Drysdale, it was important that we capitalised.<\/p>\n
“We allowed too many balls into the ring and probably allowed their midcourters to find the circle a little bit too easily, which made it hard for our circle defenders.<\/p>\n
“Once we tightened up, it allowed our circle defenders to get more involved.”<\/p>\n
New A Grade Tigers such as Elouise Barlow (St Mary’s), Taylor Mitvalsky (Tigers B Grade), Maddy Martin (returning from injury), Sophie Ritchie-Crichton (returning) and Emma McGinness (returning) have provided valuable contributions through the first eight rounds.<\/p>\n
Harris said Torquay goal-shooter Daisy O’Kane had also elevated her game to new heights, with the Geelong Cougars player ranking third in the BNL for goals (246) and taking on more of a leadership role.<\/p>\n
“She’s really stepped up in terms of leadership, on-court direction and just influence over the group, which has come as a bit of a surprise for her given that she’s more of a cruisy girl, but she’s really enjoyed it to this point.<\/p>\n
“She’s driving herself with more leadership, and I don’t think she really realises how much she does influence the group, but she’s now understanding what works for her and just getting a deeper understanding of herself at the moment.”<\/p>\n
O’Kane trails only Ruby Watson of Geelong Amateur (476) and Rebecca O’Neill in the goal-scoring race through eight rounds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TORQUAY will have “nothing to lose” against the undefeated premiers Geelong Amateur tomorrow (Saturday, June 3) as the Bellarine Netball League (BNL) ties a bow on the first half of the 2023 season. Tigers head coach Sonia Harris said the clash at Queens Park would provide her side with a great opportunity to learn from […]<\/p>\n