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LOCKINGTON-Bamawm United coach Mandy Walker hopes the Cats’ first netball win can be a ‘turning point’ in their 2018 HDFNL season.
But the first-year coach concedes initially that might be tough with the Cats drawn to play undefeated Colbinabbin this Saturday at M.J. Morgan Reserve.
The Cats were able to climb from the bottom of the league ladder with a 37-31 against Heathcote at Lockington on Saturday.
Walker felt her side had shown signs a win was not far off in at least three of their previous five matches.
“All it was going to take was for us to play four consistent quarters of netball and we did that on the weekend,” she said.
Seventeen-year-old defender Rebecca Eade, who represented Heathcote District in its inter-league win against Geelong District a fortnight ago, was voted the Cats’ best against the Saints and earned lavish praise from her coach for a consistent season.
“She had some very determined looks on her face, which was great,” Walker said.
“She is the leader of our defenders this year, whereas normally she’s been instructed all the time.
“It’s taken some time to adjust to the new defenders she is playing with this year, but the last few weeks she’s been very solid.
“She’s got a great future.”
The Cats, who have joined Leitchville-Gunbower (sixth), North Bendigo (seventh) and Heathcote (ninth) on one win apiece, also benefited from strong games from Stacey Bacon in goals and Claudia Gallagher, who made the transition from centre to wing attack with good effect.
Walker was adamant there were more wins install for the Cats this season, provided they could again produce four 15-minute quarters of netball.
“It’s just a pity that after (the win) we come up against Colbo, but there are a few sides out there we can beat,” she said.
“It’s pretty much a new side – three of the players might have been here last year, everyone else is new.
“I only came into the coaching role in February, so we were late getting on the ball.
“We had a few hiccups at the start of the season, but hopefully the win was our turning point.”
The Cats will play Leitchville-Gunbower after Colbinabbin, followed by Mount Pleasant.