Romsey kept its unblemished record alive with a strong four-quarter performance against a determined Rupertswood side in the Riddell District Netball League.
While they had played each other in round one, both sides nominated different looking line-ups and it was a test to see how far each team had come.
It was the Sharks who started the better of the two teams and led by three goals early.
The Redbacks hit back and lead at the second and third changes, but it was the fourth quarter where they won the game, shooting 17 goals to seven, to win 46-33.
Hope Evans was the best of the goalers for the Redbacks shooting 24 goals.
Speaking before the game, Redbacks playing coach Lena Way said she couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.
“We got pushed the previous weekend against Lancefield and only got there by a goal but we were missing Sarah Szczykulski, Elle McDonald and Hope [Evans].
“Cayley [Armstrong] and Danni [Davidson] were both restricted to playing a half. It showed the depth we’ve got in our team.”
Way said they were yet to have their full squad available. Star midcourter Elle McDonald missed the weekend’s match through injury.
With the arrival of young Australian Netball League shooter Amelia Brock and Bronwyn Blair returning from injury, Way said it was a luxury to have multiple players who could play every position.
“We’re thrilled to have Amelia in our side,” she said.
“She’s a championship division player and we’re thrilled to have a tall strong target that can play along with Hope, Chelsea [Ross] and Bronwyn.
“She’s only 19 and can play goal attack or goal shooter and would be the tallest girl in the competition.”
Way said with several new players in the side this season, the connections and team work continues to be an area to work on.
“We did a lot of work pre-season on that, using different combinations to train,” she said.
“The girls have got to know each other and the club has an active social calender and gives them an opportunity to bond.
“We’ve got five players over 30 and then the younger girls, there’s a really nice mixture.
“We’ve got good turnout at training with the Victorian Netball League girls still coming to training even though they can’t do anything at times.”
The Redbacks this week face Macedon, the only other undefeated side in the competition.
Way said she expected the Cats to be their biggest challenger this season.
“I’m interested to see how we fare against them. We can’t be complacent. We have to keep working on one per centers and fine tuning everything.”
In other results, Lancefield had an easy win against Sunbury Kangaroos, Macedon was too strong for Rockbank, Riddell defeated Woodend-Hesket, while Melton Centrals knocked off Diggers Rest.
