Sunbury Lions know if they play their best netball they can match it against any contenders in the Ballarat Netball League finals.
The Lions have played off in the past two deciders, finishing this season in fourth position from which they’ll play Redan in the second elimination final.
On Saturday, they beat last year’s premiers, Melton, 67-32, in a win that allowed them to try out different combinations.
Midcourter Prue Stanley was best on court, with Chloe Curran and Rebecca Anstey also having a strong impact.
Speaking before the match, Lions’ coach Adam Boldiston said while fourth wasn’t the position they wanted to finish in, he was still reasonably happy with the season.
“We were hoping to finish in the top three,” Boldiston said.
“We knew it would be hard to make … and if we had won against North Ballarat City, we could have finished in that third spot.
Click here for more photos of Sunbury Lions playing Melton
“Fourth is still a good position, considering we had a lot of our starting seven missing [for]several games through the year.
“We’re in a good position and in good form at the moment.”
Boldiston highlights the game against North Ballarat City as the one that showed the Lions could be among the mix.
The Lions fought hard against the undefeated ladder leaders for a nailbiting 63-61 loss.
“We matched up really well against them, and we had a full-strength line-up that day.
“We were four goals up with four to five minutes to go. There were a couple of mistakes at crucial times … it was a great learning experience and gave us confidence.”
Boldiston is hoping to have a full line-up for the elimination final this week.
“As far as I am aware we have a full seven-plus bench,” the coach said.
“This gives us great variety and we can mix it up in attack, defence and midcourt.”
He said the experience of Prue Stanley and Rebecca Anstey would be valuable, but she highlighted a couple of the younger girls who will also make their mark.
“Ruth Smith, our co-captain, is only 21 and has stood up strong all year.
“Chloe Curran is only 19 but has a real mature edge on court.”
Boldiston expects this week’s match with Redan to be a physical one.
“If we stick to the task and do the basic things well, I’m confident we can win.
“We need to make sure we’re doing the early work to protect the ball.
“Mental toughness will come into the game,” Boldiston said, “and whether we can stay strong.”
