THE SCRIBE – LCFNL – A Grade netball
THERE is this vibe around the club, on the oval, at the courts, in the teams – joy and excitement for what a solid pre-season can bring.
But how good is it to get that first game done and dusted.
Is there any better test than against a ladder-leader team?
In the A Grade, West have been the benchmark of the competition for the last few years and it’s anticipated this year to be much the same.
Captain Chloe Finnigan got us off to a laughing start winning the toss and forgoing the first centre.
It broke the ice of the anticipation for the game to get under way, but she will not be making that mistake again.
It did not take long for West Gambier to learn the name of new recruit, Danielle Tooley (GS).
She had an instant impact in the goal circle, setting herself with strength that gave all feeders confidence in the delivery from anywhere on the court, combining well with Chelsea Hulm (GA) who has adapted so well to the new goal circle combination.
A strong and fast first quarter saw Cats head to the first break with a two-goal lead, 16 to 14.
Down the other end of the court, Holly Smith (GK) was back in familiar territory of defence, after filling a dominant spot in goals in her first season for the Cats last year.
She faced the huge task of shutting-down last year’s league best and fairest, teaming with Chloe (GD) like they never had any seasons apart.
The persistence, patience and athleticism saw these girls create plenty of opportunities for touches, unforced errors and turnovers.
At the main break the scoreboard read 33 to 28 – Cats were up.
The premiership quarter was the lowest scoring for both teams, but we knew West would not give in and neither would we.
It required coach Madalene Cleary (C) and Indi Longhurst (WA) to up their work rate and ensure they were getting a spot right on the ring, to deliver the precise and creative feeding that is required at this high-level netball.
Longhurst’s work rate and positioning for a centre pass made her a confident target for Cleary for the majority of the game. An even 13-all quarter
It’s always said as a defender: You know when you have a good WD.
Caeleigh Humphries took the WD for the game and she put on a show.
Her ability to read the play and go for the ball with two strong hands makes her a threat to all.
Her footwork around the ring was second to none and the conversion from intercept to carefully moving the ball down the court to the attacking end, was free flowing.
With Finnegan unfortunately going down with an injury with nine minutes left in the game, a swift move was made putting Humphries into GD and Ebany Jarrad coming on to the WD position.
Coach Cleary had a quick chat to Jarrad, who had been instrumental in the A Reserve win just an hour prior and play resumed.
Sometimes something like this can rock a team, especially one that is pretty new to being in this ‘winning against a top team thing’ but you would not have even known a change had been made.
The attack end held its composure and the defence end continued to make life very hard for its opponents.
Teamwork and belief; it is only the beginning for this group and we cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the season as the Cats kick-off the season with 1/1, taking the game 60 to 56.
