IF Diamonds' coach Lisa Alexander has her way, Sunday’s game against England won’t be the last time international netball is played in Bendigo.
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The Diamonds put on a clinical display in the first Test match to be played in regional Victoria, disposing of England 55-37 in front of a sell-out crowd.
“I thought it was fabulous (to play in Bendigo),’’ Alexander said after the win.
“It brought back memories for me personally having played in many country Cups on that court myself.
“To see the court presented so beautifully, I was quite chuffed and proud.
“The whole crowd was so engaged in the game and we could feel that energy.
“It was a fabulous experience for all of us.”
Diamonds star Caitlin Thwaites, a Bendigo junior, echoed Alexander’s thoughts.
“It’s nice to play in a smaller venue every now and then,’’ Thwaites said of playing on her home court.
“The crowd felt really close to us today and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“In some of the bigger venues we play at the crowd feels so far away.
“It was great to have the crowd close to us and riding every bump with us.”
Thwaites said her team-mates enjoyed the experience of visiting a regional centre.
“In the past couple of days the players took the opportunity to have a look around Bendigo and they loved it,’’ she said.
“Hopefully, it will happen again one day.”