WHOROULY’S A grade squad christened their new netball courts in fine fashion on Saturday, defeating North Wangaratta in a physical tussle 44-27.

The Hawks played a very physical, congested style of netball through the first half, which caught the Lions off guard, trailing by a goal at the half.

Positional changes and a mental reset helped the Lions pull ahead after the half, their barebones and basic style serving them well as they led by six heading into the fourth quarter.

Momentum continued to flow Whorouly’s way, and while the shooters kept the scoreboard ticking over, the Lions’ defenders were impressive, conceding only two goals in the last quarter.

Coach Kelly Cousins said her side’s ability to adapt to the on-court pressure was great to see.

“They were quite physical, defensively they were quite man-on-man, so we couldn’t get any flow because there was a lot of body on body and a lot of contact calls,” she said.

“It really slowed down our play and our timing was out.

“I made a few positional changes in our front end, we really addressed going back to basics at half-time, really opening up space, sticking to our sides – we just went back to Netball 101, and the girls adjusted to that.

“We really focussed on not clogging the space, holding off on our leads and that helped.

“Once they all got it in their heads what they needed to do, they put it out on the court and that helped.”

The defensive end performed well, with Ebony Allen, Sally Wood and Grace Way turning in solid efforts all game, while Sarah Primerano and Tayla Allen were dialled in under the ring.

Cousins said the new courts, which were officially opened before the A grade match, were incredible to play on.

“It was good to finally get out on those courts, North Wangaratta all said it was a great set up,” she said.

“Hopefully all of the away teams find our new infrastructure a lot better than what we’ve previously had when they visited us.”

The undefeated Lions head up to Bright this weekend to hopefully continue their winning form.

“I think we always match up really well against Bright, we’re very similar,” Cousins said.

“I think they’ve got a few new recruits, and it’s always tough up at Bright, so I think it’ll be a fairly even contest.

“Hopefully we’ll come away with the win, we’re just taking it week by week.”