Oliver Lees
Riddell Netball Club is excited to get back on the court after a strong start to the season in the Riddell District Netball League.
Bombers coach Adam Boldiston said his side was frustrated by the delays to the season after losing just once in their first five matches.
“The girls are all missing each other and itching to get on the court,” Boldiston said.
“We were starting to play into form, so for the game against Wallan not to go ahead was really deflating for everyone.
“It’s come at a bit of a bad time. We’ve had a strong start and everyone has really stepped up when we’ve needed them to.”
After losing their first match of the season, the Bombers won four straight, including a four-point win over second-placed Diggers Rest.
The Bombers sit in third place but still have one game in hand over the top two sides, Diggers Rest and Wallan.
Boldiston’s team has been able to consistently lock out the opposition’s attack, having conceded the least amount of goals of any side in the competition.
Boldiston said he’s been pleased with this part of their game.
“It’s definitely a real focus, I’ve got a bunch of players that can play across the three different positions and execute our game plan,” he said.
“Kirby Elliott has been a bit of a star winning lots of clean intercepts, I’ve really enjoyed working with her.
“And I’m pleased with our attack too, we’ve got good depth of players we can swing around.
“Tara O’Grady is a bit of a dead eye and has been getting some good deliveries from the centre.”
Boldiston is in his first season with the Bombers after formerly coaching the Sunbury Lions.
“I think I’m pretty well settled in,” he said.
“Each week it’s a bit like I’m going in blind because I haven’t seen the opposition play. I make an effort to pick the brains of the players that have played against them before.
“What it means is that our focus is on us and our structures, and from there we look to shut down the opposition.”
Due to the delays in matches from Victoria’s COVID-19 lockdown, each of the clubs will be consulted on how the rest of the season will play out.
Boldiston said it’s possible the traditional five-team finals structure will be changed and this year’s final series will just accommodate four teams.
“We believe we should be up in the top four teams regardless. We’ve been growing each week and have been fortunate that we have a lot of depth.”
