By Tara Murray
Rupertswood showed why it is one of the favourites for the Riddell District Netball League premiership with a strong performance over third-placed Romsey on Saturday.
For the undefeated Sharks, the match against the Redbacks was a chance to test themselves against another side expected to be up there come the end of the season.
But the match didn’t live up to expectations, with the Sharks in control all day, winning 53-36.
The win was set up in the first half, with the Sharks leading by 13 goals at half time.
Sharks coach Di McCormack couldn’t have been happier with the performance.
“I’m really happy,” she said.
“You’re always worried about playing Romsey, they are a good unit and have lots of talented players.
“I was really pleased with how we took to the game, starting off with two defenders missing.
“There was no panic.”
With Matilda Elliot and Rebecca Purvis, missing, it was a couple of B-graders that stepped up into the defensive end.
Niamh Vahland, who was named best on court, and Grace Markovic both performed really well.
McCormack said outside of Clare Johnson, they had a really young defence with Holly Keating and Georgia Hellyer also in the defensive end.
“There was the leadership of Clare back there and that worked well,” McCormack said.
“The girls seem to enjoy netball at the moment with each other.
“It shows the depth we have this year.”
All 12 Sharks players took to the court, in a pleasing thing for McCormack.
She said she was willing to put Hannah Keane [20 goals] and Tahnysha Salanoa [eight goals] back on the court if needed to in the second half, but it didn’t come to that.
Keane in her first full season of A-grade and Salanoa is her first season with the club, have fitted in perfectly.
“The young ones are stepping up,” she said. “Everyone forgets that Tee is 19.
“Jade [O’Shannessy] is really new and we’re developing her. She was able to hold her own.
“I was going to put Amy Starzer in defence, but I didn’t need to.
“We ended up with four different goalers against the third team.”
McCormack said having that extra depth was a key for the side, giving them fresh legs.
The win continues the unbeaten run for Rupertswood. They sit a game clear of Macedon on the ladder.
McCormack said she was happy with how things had gone this season.
“If we stay focused, I think we can do it. Missing Tilly and not having Bec, against three really good goalers today, showed what belief can do.”
Other winners were, Macedon, Wallan, Riddell and Woodend-Hesket.
