MYRTLEFORD failed to come away with the points from their first A grade match of the season, despite a valiant effort in stifling conditions. Taking on Wodonga Raiders at Biralee Park in oppressive heat, the Saints came up short 48-65. While the match started well for Myrtleford, with a one point lead at quarter time, the strong Raders outfit were able to pull ahead 29-24. Some positional changes from their opposition threw a spanner in the works for the Saints, as Raiders pushed the gap out more and more each term. Despite the loss, Myrtleford coach Olivia La Spina said there were promising signs from the team’s first proper match of the year. “It was one of those games where I felt the scoreline didn’t do justice how close it felt, but it was a great first round hit-out,” she said. “I was really happy with the team’s first half on the weekend - we stuck with them and forced them to make a lot of changes. “I felt like our attack end moved the ball with pace and broke through Raiders’ defensive structures and we were able to capitalise on early turnovers. “In the second half, Raiders made a few changes that we hadn’t seen before and momentum shifted back in their favour and we just couldn’t get it back on our terms. “Jorja [Reidy] and Saige [Broz] were phenomenal in the midcourt, and Tayla Cartwright had a wonderful game in defence off the back of a great preseason.” In other results, the C grade side managed to hold on to a one goal win, while the B grade (27-47), under 17s (34-51) and under 15s (31-52) all came up short. The Saints host Lavington this Easter Sunday at McNamara Reserve, with A grade netball from 1pm.
