WHILE the scoreboard showed a 28-50 loss to Diggers Rest on Saturday, Lancefield A Grade netball coach Michelle Rix believes her young side demonstrated plenty to be excited about.
Fielding four debutants – Matilda Hill, Maddy Richards, Georgia White and Ivy Harrop – the Tigers were able to try a variety of on-court combinations.
Lancefield also eased talented goal shooter Jordan Furness into the line-up in her return from ankle surgery, and Furness responded with 10 goals in the second half.
With several senior players set to return for Saturday’s home game against Melton Centrals, Rix said her team’s future was bright.
“It hasn’t been the outcome we’ve wanted through the first two games, but with a few injuries on the mend and a very young A Grade squad, it’s still very promising,” she said.
“We will be competitive, but we just need to get through these couple of weeks.
“The girls who debuted were amazing. I couldn’t be happier with how they fit into the A Grade team. It’s exciting to see so many local girls with so much talent starting to come through the pathways.”
Rix praised centre Chloe Hodgson, who provided drive through the midcourt, while captain Amanda Bruce was solid in defence and Darcee Ellard led the team with 14 goals.
Elsewhere, Wallan continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 43-31 win against the Western Rams, powered by Maeve Donegan’s 26 goals.
The Magpies were also able to experiment with combinations as nine players saw court time, with all but goal attack Rebekah Konstantopoulos playing multiple positions during the match.
Wallan will play Macedon in an away game this weekend, with the winner set to claim top position on the ladder.
Romsey is still in search of its first A Grade win of the season after a close loss to Melton Centrals.
Emma Grech was outstanding for the Redbacks with 37 goals at 80.43 per cent accuracy, but Melton Centrals’ Emma Winzar proved equal to the task with 34 goals of her own and Lauren Creed added 20 to lift the home side to a 54-50 win.
Romsey will return home in round four to take on Riddell.
