HEATHCOTE District has ended a run of outs at inter-league level, with a fighting six-goal netball win over Geelong District on Saturday.
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The HDFNL, coached by dual Colbinabbin premiership coach Liz Cobbledick, survived a strong fight back by the host league to win 43-37 at Keith Barclay Oval, North Geelong.
The victory ended a two-game losing streak for Heathcote District, which included a 16-goal loss last season to Central Murray.
Cobbledick, who lined up at goal shooter, said the foundations for the win were laid early in the piece against a tall and strong Geelong District team, which rung a multitude of changes to its line-up during the course of the game.
“We started really well and once we got that strong start, the girls got plenty of belief that we could win the game and played some really nice netball,” she said.
“We built up a pretty good lead at the start and held a five-goal advantage for most of the game, until half way through the last quarter – they came back and actually evened things up.
“We managed to compose ourselves, make a few changes and get up by six.”
Goal keeper Anna-Grace Close, who finished runner-up in last season’s league best and fairest in her first season at White Hills and has continued that stellar form during the Demons’ 5-0 start to the season, was the umpire’s choice as best on court.
She was also her coach’s nomination.
Close was one of four White Hills players in the nine-player line-up, alongside team vice-captain Danni Wee-Hee, fellow midcourter Rhian Moressi and goal attack Dannielle Sawyer, whose play at goal attack in the final quarter helped steady the HDFNL as the Geelong District continued its surge.
Cobbledick reserved praise for the team’s youngest member Rebecca Eade, who came on in defence at the start of the final quarter in place of skipper Brydie Lawford, and performed solidly.
The first-time HDFNL coach believed the win would have been particularly satisfying for new league manager Jan Mannes, who was in Geelong for the game, and provided great support to the team in the lead-up.
“I know the league hasn’t won the last two years, so it’s good to get a cup back,” she said.
“I’m pretty sure Jan will be pleased to put the winning cup on her desk on Monday morning – she has been great at organising everything.
“She’s also been a great support to me as coach – it’s been great having her on board.”
The winning HDFNL team comprised: Liz Cobbeldick (coach), Brydie Lawford (captain), Danni Wee-Hee (vice-captain), Dannielle Sawyer, Rhian Moressi, Anna-Grace Close, Ruby Scanlon, Kaitlyn McPhee and Rebecca Eade.
