Macedon set itself some clear targets to hit against Melton South in the Riddell District Netball League, which it was able to reach in a big win.
At times it has been an up and down season for the Cats as they continue to give the next generation their opportunities.
On Saturday, they put it all together on the way to a 96-24 win.
Cats coach Katie Clarke said she didn’t think that Macedon had ever put up a score like that before.
“We had some really clear objectives and goals as a team,” she said. “Alex [Cameron] was out, Chloe [Eyre] was out.
“There were some key outs for us and a couple of players with some illnesses.
“We had those strong targets and were able to do that through the whole defensive end.”
The Cats’ attack end, despite missing two of their goalers, were able to convert at the other end.
Claire Oakley shot a massive 70 goals for the Cats.
Oakley, who previously played for Kyneton, has come into the Cats side after Hetty Donoghue fractured her hand. She’ll be out for the season.
Clarke said Oakley, who is part of Melbourne University Lighting’s 23 and under Victorian Netball League side, fitted in really well with their group.
“A lot of the girls know her from outside netball and are friends with her,” she said. “She was happy to help out and been more than generous.
“She’s attended a few trainings and done a good job stepping in and helping out.
“While you ideally want to promote within, with two teams in finals contention, we were thinking about what pressure it would impact our B-grade side.
“We want to make sure B-grade makes finals and does well there and make sure that A-grade plays finals.
“We wanted to get the right balance.”
Among those to play in the big win was Emily Duoba, who was making her A-grade debut.
The Cats sit in fourth spot as they end the back part of the season.
Clarke said they want to ensure they at least finish the regular season in that spot.
“We have dropped some games that we shouldn’t have,” she said. “We want to be competitive and push through some tight situations.
“Hopefully we’ll finish in fourth. We’ll try to keep winning against some strong opposition.
“There’s still some improvement to go and it’s a long term thing.
“We’ve got some younger girls in A-grade and we’re rewarding the girls out there and they’re doing a fantastic job.
“We still have to work on connections and maintain four quarter pressure.”
In other results, Gisborne Giants beat Lancefield, 54-41.
The ladder-leading Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Melton Centrals, winning 52-41, Wallan beat Romsey, 54-42, while Riddell had a big win against Kyneton 52-33.
Wallan’s win and the losses to Melton Centrals and Romsey has seen it move back into sixth spot, in the battle for the last finals spot.
