DESPITE losing to Cranbourne on Sunday afternoon, Bendigo Thunder coach Craig Riddiford is pleased with the overall development of his young side.
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The Thunder battled well against the top ranked side in the division one Victorian Women’s Football League, but couldn’t match it with them over four quarters, losing 8.11(59) to 2.7(19) at Dower Park in Kangaroo Flat.
“I wasn’t disappointed,” he said.
“Considering they have beaten sides by 17 and 18 goals this season, to only go down by six goals was pleasing.”
Riddiford said he could take a lot of positives from the match.
“The first quarter was a bit of an arm wrestle, there was nothing much in it and then they were able to open up the game in the second and third quarters and then we were able to keep them goal-less in the final quarter,” he said.
“After the game, the Cranbourne coach gave us a great compliment, saying Bendigo was the fittest side they had come up against this season, which was nice to hear.
“Overall, I think we did quite well against a team who has played together for a couple of years.”
Riddiford said kicking let the Thunder down, turning the ball up to 20 times throughout the game.
He said their backline, despite its lack of height, was able to stand tall when it mattered.
“We let ourselves down in patches of the game, our tackling and skills was not good at times,” Riddiford said.
Victoria Wyckelsma was named Bendigo’s best player for the match.
“She played sweeper role of the half backline and battled all day long, she was one of our best,” Riddiford said.
Grace Campbell and Laura Flanagan were Bendigo's two goalkickers.
Bendigo Thunder will now prepare to face the Eastern Devils at Dower Park on Sunday.