It was an all too familiar tale for Stawell's A Grade netball side at the weekend, pushing a top five side at points but inconsistency holding them back.
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The Warriors took on Warrack Eagles on the road coming off the back of two consecutive victories.
That strong run of form was carried into the first term, with Stawell trailing by just three goals at the first break.
The Eagles steadily extended the lead to five goals by half-time, which is when the wheels fell off for the visitors.
The Warriors conceded 35 second half goals in the 62-41 loss.
The result was one Stawell has been used to this year, pushing a top team for periods of a game but letting them away in others.
"We were hoping to have done better. We can stick with top teams for short amounts of time but can't do so for full matches," Stawell co-coach Toni Stewart said.
"I think we need to be a bit tougher and less apprehensive. When the game's momentum is turning we need to stop it and get things back on our terms.
"I think we also have to be better defensively in the mid-court, we rely too much on our goalies."
Despite the frustration of another side running away easily, Stewart said there were positive signs with some young players making good inroads.
"We had Madi Taylor and Dakota Cosson in goals to keep giving them some experience," she said.
"They both did a really great job and showed a lot of promise.
"Getting experience into girls like that is crucial for the team's future."
The Warriors have the challenge of taking on Horsham next weekend.
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