A gutsy win

THE season is still well and truly alive for Myrtleford’s A grade netball squad, after the Saints picked up the points in their must-win clash with Albury at McNamara Reserve on Saturday. Up against a mighty Tigers outfit, the Saints fought hard to grind out a phenomenal 57-51 win, with the entire team saluting. Myrtleford worked their way to a two goal lead after the first 15 minutes of play, but had to shuffle their attacking end around after goal attack Emma Sharp sustained an injury. Oncoming shooter Taylah Reidy worked well with Daisey O’Kane to push the lead out to six goals by the long break. Defensive pressure from both squads was sky high, with turnovers galore across the court. The second half brought more of the same pressure, but the Saints worked their way through it to hold a five-goal lead heading into the final period of play. The Tigers continued to press hard, feeding their shooters well who would put the ball in the net more often than not. But Myrtleford persevered, fighting tooth and nail to run out winners by just six goals. Coach Olivia La Spina said it was a brilliant performance from her side. “The game was pretty tightly contested - we got out to an early lead by four or five goals and it stayed there for majority of the match,” she said. “We had an early eye injury to Emma Sharp, so we had to bring Tay [Reidy] on halfway through the first quarter, and she and Daisy played beautifully together. “They both have a lot of confidence in each other to put the shot up, and prepare for any rebounds, and they both have great netball minds, so they feed off each other really well. “I think in the second quarter we become more confident in our passing and drives and were letting the ball go a lot more freely, resulting in more scoreboard pressure. “It was super tough to maintain the lead because Albury shot really accurately. “It felt like every time it got in their got end a goal was scored, so we knew we had to apply pressure higher up the court and try and turn the ball over earlier.” The Saints sit seventh overall with two wins and four losses from the fist third of the season. While the mountain to September action looms high, and it won’t be easy, Myrtleford remains in contention if they play their best netball for the rest of the season. However, this weekend presents a chance for the Saints, and indeed the majority of the league, to take a breather. This weekend, the Ovens and Murray takes on Goulburn Valley League in the annual interleague showdown. Several Saints have been named in the provisional squads for the under 15, under 17 and Open squads, with a final call on the makeup of the teams to be made this week. “Heading into the bye obviously we would like to have one or two more wins on the board,” La Spina said. “I think the Lavington game is one that we may rue, but overall I believe we're playing really good netball. “We certainly have the ability to push the top teams, we just will continue to work on our four quarter efforts.”

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