Lancefield may have fallen short of taking home the four points, but Saturday’s result against Rockbank was still a win for the A-grade Riddell District Netball League team.
After not having a side last season, the Tigers have struggled at times in the early rounds against more experienced sides.
But on Saturday against the Rams, the Tigers looked like breaking through for a win.
On more than one occasion, they led by five goals – but they weren’t able to break the game open.
The Rams hit the front late in the third quarter, before the two teams went goal-for-goal for much of the last quarter.
A couple of changes late worked in the favour of the Rams, who ended up winning 46-42.
Tigers coach Meaghan Keogh said she was proud of her players.
“To get within four goals in an A-grade game is awesome,” she said.
“I said to them, I don’t care that they lost by four goals – everyone has put their heart on the line today.
“It was a new position, for us to be in front, and I thought the girls handled themselves well.
“I think Rockbank won the game – I don’t think we lost it. The girls did an amazing
job.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Lancefield vs Rockbank
Keogh said it was credit to the players that they forced Rockbank to make changes to get the win.
Most of the Lancefield players participated in B and C grade last season.
But Keogh said they don’t look out of place stepping up to A grade.
She highlighted the defensive job of Jess McMahon, who played C grade last season, as a good example.
“They are getting better and improving every week,” she said.
“When you get to this level, it’s the one per centers that make the difference.
“Everyone is playing outside themselves and it’s the same in B grade.
“A lot are playing above and beyond where they would be at in any other team.
“Just a few little changes and we’re good to go.”
Keogh said everyone involved knew it would be a tough year across all grades, but that she was thrilled with how the players were taking on the challenge.
She said they were celebrating the small wins and there was plenty of excitement at the club.
“They are a good group of girls,” she said. “We said to them we knew it would be tough and if we got a win we would be over the moon.
“Our C-grade girls lost by a massive amount, but scored five goals – the highest they’ve scored all season.
“We had a girl score her first goal … [she] has [only] been playing netball for five weeks.
“They’re excited about what we’re building.”
In other A-grade results, Woodend-Hesket and Melton Centrals had a draw, Diggers Rest was too strong for Broadford, Macedon bounced back against Macedon and Rupertswood beat Wallan.
