SWAN Hill had a hard-fought, crucial win against Kerang at the weekend, beating the Blues by three goals.
The unfavourable weather conditions made it tough for both the Blues and the Swans, with the momentum of the game changing throughout the match.
While the Swans led at every break, the Blues were always within reach, with their biggest deficit being seven goals in the last quarter, cut to just one goal in the late stages.
“I’m extremely proud of the fight and grit the girls showed in that situation against an experienced side Swan Hill,” Blues playing coach Chloe Adams said.
“Unfortunately there were just some clutch moments in the last quarter that proved costly for us.
“So although we didn’t get the four points, it was really a positive game for us that gives the confidence to build in this second half of the season.”
The return of Mollie Quinn to the Swans gave the side extra depth in their defence end, while Kelsey McCoy was solid all the way down the court in the centre bib.
“Kelsey led well, particularly in the attack end when the game was up for grabs,” Swans playing coach Madeleine Nalder said.
The win means the Swans remain comfortably in third place on the ladder, but will have to keep their foot on the pedal to stay in the top five in the last half of the season.
The loss pushed the Blues just out of the top five on percentage, with the Mallee Eagles and Balranald also sitting on 24 points in fourth and fifth position respectively.
In order to cement a spot in this year’s finals, the Blues will be looking for some high-percentage wins over the coming weeks.
FINAL WHISTLE:
Kerang 37
Swan Hill 40
