Just seven weeks from the start of the Riddell District Netball League season, Romsey didn’t have an A-grade side.
With the appointment of Lena Way as coach and news that Hope Evans would play for the Redbacks again, the mission to form a team started.
Not only did they form a team, they formed one which looks likely to be competitive against most sides.
And although they lost 62-39 against reigning premiers Riddell on Saturday, the Redbacks played well enough to encourage Way.
The coach said she was thrilled to have put together a really balanced squad.
“We have 50 per cent new players,” she said. “We have an experienced [A-grade] line-up with five girls over 30.
“Experience counts for everything. Katelyn [Byron], Chelsea [Ross] and Stefanie [Symes] all have Victorian Netball League experience and work well together.”
Others in the side are Carolyn McCarthy, returning to the club for the first time since 2003, and Riddell premiership player Lauren Anglin.
“Carolyn is extremely fit and comes into her own in the second half of games,” Way said. “In the second half, when errors can come into the game, she actually gets better.”
Way said the focus early in the season would be about getting the combinations working together and getting processes correct.
The combination of Evans and Ross will be a strong one in the shooting circle.
Ross, who is part of the ACU Sovereigns division 1 side, will provide a target and take some of the pressure off Evans, who has done most of the scoring for the Redbacks in recent years.
“It’s one of our many strengths,” Way said.
“Our defensive end has played elite netball together and are very different players. Katelyn is a real thinker, while the other girls are more physical.
“The midcourt is very poised and experienced.”
It was a close first quarter in the loss to Riddell before the Bombers extended the lead to seven goals by half-time. The third quarter proved to be the difference as the Bombers shot out to a 21-goal lead.
In other results, Diggers Rest opened its account with a 47-28 win over an undermanned Lancefield. Broadford defeated Sunbury Kangaroos 51-18, while Melton Centrals were too good for Wallan, winning 58-26. Macedon and Rupertswood played on Monday.
