Swifts’ netballers have a spring in their step heading into the 2018 Horsham District netball season after a resounding victory in their first game of the season on Saturday.
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With conditions less than ideal for netball, the Baggies’ A Graders were able to adjust and step up to the task to claim a 32-goal win over Pimpinio at North Park.
Rain was persistent throughout the match, making the court difficult for either side to play a free flowing style of game.
Swifts A Grade coach Courtney Morrow said she believed her side adapted better to the conditions.
“Our girls adapted really well. We went out and said we have to keep our passes short and sharp which we were able to do,” she said.
“We came away with the win because we played a smart game of netball. It paid off to play conservatively in the wet.”
New A Grade player Michaela Armer led the way for the Baggies up front, scoring 29 goals to be recognised as best on ground.
Jade Ralph was not far behind Armer, scoring 28 goals for the day while Morrow was adjudged second best for the Baggies for her role through the centre.
It was the first time the new-look Swifts team took to the court in a Horsham District league game, with the side having the bye last weekend.
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Morrow said Saturday’s performance reflected their hard work in the preseason.
“Watching the game you wouldn’t have known it was the first time that group of girls had played together,” she said.
“We had a few practice matches and worked very hard in the last few months and I think that showed against Pimpinio.
“We had a practice match against Stawell on Thursday and we gained a lot of confidence from that going into Saturday’s game.”
Morrow said she hopes the victory can help her side gain momentum for the remainder of the season.
“Everyone was very excited after the win,” she said.
“Confidence is high so hopefully it can keep building from here.
“The win proves we will be bigger and better and a much more difficult team to play against this season.”
It was a mixed day for Swifts’ netball program, winning three out of seven matches.
The C Grade team had a win to remember, holding on against a strong finishing opposition with a goal after the siren to claim a 24-23 win.
The 17 and under side claimed a big 47-6 victory while the B Grade, C Reserve, 15 and under and 13 and under teams all fell short.
