It was a case of close but not close enough for Stawell’s A Grade netballers on Saturday, as their win-less run was extended following a four-goal loss to Dimboola.
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The young Warriors were courageous in defeat but eventually went down 51-47.
With a squad of only seven players and without stalwart Jemma Clarkson, Stawell came out and ran with the Roos for the first quarter, trailing by only one goal at quarter-time.
Dimboola coach Antoinette Toet said her side was cautious of starting slow after a week off.
“We were wary of taking too long to settle once hitting the court,” she said.
“We came out of the blocks a little slowly with Stawell scoring the first few goals however we persisted in our defence.
“We knew not to underestimate Stawell and be prepared for a physical and tough encounter.”
Dimboola goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou went down with an ankle injury at the start of the second term, forcing centre player Rianna Kuhne into the goal circle.
Under 15 player Dakota Cosson gave Stawell a one-goal lead by the main break, shooting 10 goals from 10 attempts in the period.
Toet said the break came at a good time for the Roos.
“We welcomed the half time break to refocus and regroup with each other,” she said.
The home side was able to regain the lead after the break, going into the final quarter with a one-goal margin.
Dimboola ran the game out stronger than Stawell, shooting 13 goals to 10 in the last term to secure victory.
Bille Barber shot 20 second half goals to finish with 28 for the match.
Cosson was named as Stawell’s best player, shooting 26 goals from 36 attempts.
Cosson’s goal circle partner Maggie Clough was also in Stawell’s best, shooting 21 goals at an accuracy of 81 per cent.
Toet said she was proud of the way her side continued to apply pressure in trying circumstances.
“Our grit, determination, second efforts and persistence paid off even when things didn't seem to be going our way,” she said.
Kuhne and Jodie Hayes were Dimboola’s best players.
“Rianna did a great job in helping open up the circle and Jodie kept on trying in both attack and defence all day,” Toet said.
“Without taking anything away from these two, many could have also featured in the best and its pleasing to have so many good performances to have to pick from.”
The win was crucial for Dimboola’s finals hopes.
“We are beginning to further believe in our ability to play good netball under pressure and have stood tall and disciplined when it has mattered most,” Toet said.
