Riddell and Rupertswood were both below full strength for their Riddell District Netball League match on Saturday yet still provided interesting insights into the two teams.
Both sides lost players to Victorian Netball League matches on Saturday.
The Bombers were hit harder with player unavailability, with Danielle Wilson, Bec Colwell, Lauren and Ellen Close, and Sarah King all missing.
The Sharks were without Alex Maher and Sid Moore, while Stacey Northey is still recovering from a knee injury.
Ailish McCormack, Sara Febbo and Tess Abbott took to the court for the Sharks but were restricted to playing only half a game each.
The Sharks proved the stronger team on the day, getting out to an early lead and holding on for the 50-38 win.
Sharks coach Di McCormack said it was good to get a win over their “arch-rival” any time they could.
“We were lucky enough to have a lot of girls who we could put on sparingly,” McCormack said. “Riddell are always a top unit to come up against; they’re our arch-rival. We knew they were going to bring their best game no matter who they had on court.
“We started with our strongest team … we took a great lead but it dwindled.
“There’s times as a team, even with our senior players, when they don’t concentrate. It’s something we’ll work on over the coming weeks.
“We did enough in the second half and it was good to get the win, but it wasn’t a true indication of where we or Riddell are at.”
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McCormack said she was impressed with how players stepped up when given the chance. They are likely to get more opportunities during the season with more VNL games scheduled for weekends.
“I was pleased with our B-grade girls and how they stepped up,” the coach added. “Monique Nagle played with Amy Starzer (who scored 31 goals) in goals and they don’t normally play together.
“I was happy to see Eloise Freeman get on the court and Jaz [Jasmine Hooper] has never played with the girls before and came on in a position she doesn’t normally play.
“I was rapt for Jess Dominko to play centre. We’re trying to take her from the defensive end and teach her other areas of the court.”
Elsewhere, Diggers Rest was too good for Broadford, Macedon smashed Woodend-Hesket, Romsey beat Lancefield, and Melton Centrals won a thriller against Sunbury Kangaroos.
