LAST year’s premiership winners Balranald proved they are still well in contention for a back-to-back title this year, conquering previously unbeaten Kerang on Saturday in a thrilling one-goal win.
Blues playing coach Chloe Adams said despite the loss she felt her team demonstrated what they were truly capable of against such a strong side.
“Right from the first whistle we knew it was going to be an awesome game of netball, with both sides contesting everything,” she said.
It took time for the Blues to find the rhythm of the game, especially as they had to change up their combinations when Adams went down with a calf injury early in the second quarter.
But they eventually found a flow that worked for them and made the Roos work for every ball they got.
Without premiership-winning goal keeper Elli-Jane Brougham, who is still out with an injury, the Roos moved midcourter Bonnie Jolliffe into the defensive position to go up against shooter Courtney Robertson. The Blues also tried a new combination of starting Keiarah Brooks in the centre and Emma Wright in goal attack, which Adams believes was a real success.
“This combination worked beautifully and the attack end built as the game went on,” she said.
While the win couldn’t come at a better time for the Roos, they remain in fifth place on the ladder, and will be eager to get a few wins in a row to elevate their position. Meanwhile, the Blues sit comfortably in second place.
“While we were definitely disappointed not to get the four points, we are still super happy with our performance against a really strong side like Balranald, and feel we finally showed a glimpse of our brand of netball,” Adams said.
This week both Kerang and Balranald face competitive matches, with the Blues set to play against Woorinen, while the Roos will clash with Swan Hill in a grand final rematch.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Kerang 40
Balranald 41
