A PERFECT two wins from two games against a pair of the HDFNL netball competition's powerhouses have only served to whet the appetite of Elmore's coach and players.
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For the second week in a row, the Bloods last Saturday defeated one of the 2019 season's grand finalists last, accounting for Colbinabbin 47-29 at the Elmore Recreation Reserve.
It followed a 59-41 victory over back-to-back reigning premiers White Hills in their standalone Good Friday contest at Scott Street.
The red-hot Bloods' win over Colbinabbin was their first in coach Sue Borserio's reign as coach, which began in 2018, and broke a drought stretching even further back.
Having again recruited exceptionally well, led by the signings of former Mount Pleasant premiership stars Gabe Richards and Andrea Wilson, Borserio was delighted to see her strengthened A-grade team put it all together against the Grasshoppers.
"We were very pleased and with two players unavailable, Isabel Nicol-Smith and Hollie Hildebrandt, our squad had the depth to cover them," the coach said.
"It was a great team performance from all eight players, with Andrea 'Mop' Wilson awarded best on court for her performance in wing defence."
"Kelsey Niven was instrumental in many tips and touches to Tahnee Cannan and Cayde Hayes in defence.
"Their ability to move the ball through transition to attack was a huge factor in the win."
Fewer than 10 goals separated the two most of the game, with Elmore producing its best netball of the day in the last quarter to run out winners by 18 goals.
A breakthrough win has thrust the Bloods into another tough contest this weekend against Mount Pleasant.
The Blues opened the season with a bye and will have a new coach at the helm in Chantal Moore.
With early wins at a premium, Borserio is doing her utmost to ensure the Bloods retain their fast-building momentum.
"We have some practice matches lined up midweek for the next three weeks to polish up our combinations," she said.
"We are a brand new team and will continue to focus on the basics."
Despite a rare loss for Colbinabbin, Borserio believed HDFNL teams had every reason to still be wary of the Grasshoppers, who have introduced several fresh and exciting faces into this year's line-up.
"Colbo's coaches need to be congratulated for the faith they've put into their younger players coming through, it's going to pay off for them ten-fold, " she said.
"They were terrific and tough. They will improve every game and give them a few more games at the A grade level they will be a thorn in many teams' sides.
"Definitely top contenders for the premiership."
The Grasshoppers are this year chasing a ninth-straight grand final appearance.
In Saturday's other games, North Bendigo will look to back up its positive round one form when it clashes with Leitchville-Gunbower at Leitchville, Colbinabbin will look to bounce back against LBU, and Huntly hosts first round winners Heathcote.
White Hills has the bye.
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