By Tara Murray
Macedon got the monkey off its back with a convincing win against Rupertswood in the Riddell District Netball League qualifying final on Saturday.
Heading into finals undefeated, in the exact same position they found themselves 12 months ago, the Cats were keen to make amends for their first round knockout last year.
There would be no disappointment this time around, with the Cats winning 50-33.
Cats coach Ciara Stewart said they mentioned last year’s finals defeat once in the lead-up to Saturday’s game and then focused on what had to be done.
“We said before we started that we weren’t victims,” she said.
“Let’s win one quarter and then two …
“Besides mentioning it that one time, that was it. Our B-grade had won and we were on a high from that.”
The Cats scored an early win with Victorian Netball League finals results going their way, meaning both Chloe Wilson and Janelle Birch were available to play.
Clare Johnson was unavailable for Rupertswood. The Sharks were also missing Prue Stanley and coach Di McCormack was away for work commitments.
On court, the Cats always looked likely to win. However, Stewart said they didn’t have the best day.
“We were solid, but the goalers didn’t finish it off,” she said.
“Ty [Coppinger] shut down Ailish straight away and it shut them down offensively.
“They had to take off players they haven’t had to take off all year.”
The Cats ball movement into the circle and defensive pressure were their strengths.
Three defenders, Katie Clarke, Janelle Birch and Coppinger were named the Cats best.
“We had so many options,” Stewart said of defence.
“Ty and Janelle on that line are so solid, Katie knew what she had to do to get around a holding goalers.
“The thing for us, was do all the work out to get the hard ball in and that’s what the girls did.” Chloe Wilson shot 40 goals for the Cats, while Amy Starzer shot 14 goals for the Sharks.
It was a good day for the Cats, with three of their four teams winning. The B-grade team beat Rupertswood for the first time in a thriller.
The Cats will play Romsey for a spot in the grand final. The Redbacks easily accounted for an undermanned Riddell line-up at the weekend.
The Bombers were missing four players from their starting line-up and it showed, with Redbacks winning 60-25.
Chelsea Ross was named the Redbacks best.
Rupertswood will face Rockbank, which caused a massive upset, beating Wallan 48-46.
For reports on the other two A-grade matches:
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/romsey-gets-the-job-done/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/red-hot-rockbank-is-on-fire/
