Rupertswood is content with where it sits in the Riddell District Netball League season, despite a loss to Riddell on Saturday.
Despite sitting second on the ladder, Saturday’s match against the Bombers was always going to be a challenge for the Sharks, which entered the match undermanned.
Clare Johnson, Hayley Mathews and Abbey Gilmore missed the match, while Amy Starzer could only play part of the game.
With that in mind, Sharks coach Di McCormack had no option but to try different combinations and for the most part was happy.
McCormack said the side took it up to the Bombers, who were at full strength and are one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, but in the end lost 57-42.
“We knew it would be a challenge,” she said.
“It was a game that would challenge us, but at the same time help build the young players and their confidence.
“We tried a few different things and a few different combinations. We were only down by four goals down in the third quarter.
“We’re not upset with the result.”
McCormack was thrilled with the performance of Hannah Keane, who came into goals at quarter-time.
Keane, who just turned 16, shot 16 goals from 26 attempts and was named the Sharks’ best.
Bec Said and Lucy Batina, who both shoot in the B-grade team, also played a quarter each.
At the defensive end, the Sharks took the opportunity to play Lara Keating and Matilda Elliot in the circle together.
For the Bombers, wing defence Meikah Johns was named their best, with Bec Colwell dominant in goals, shooting 46.
They also gave opportunities to some of their younger players.
The loss is the Sharks’ second for the season.
They remain in second position, only percentage ahead of Wallan and two points ahead of Riddell.
McCormack said they weren’t fussed where they finished, as long as they made finals.
This week they face Broadford, for the second time in three weeks. Last time they defeated them 64-24.
In other results, Diggers Rest returned to the winners’ list with a heart-stopping win against Romsey.
The Burras came from behind at three-quarter time to win 45-44.
Wallan proved too strong for Woodend-Hesket, winning every quarter on the way to a 41-24 win.
Alexandra Watkins was the best for the Hawks.
Macedon was made to fight for the win against Rockbank, winning 42-34, while Melton Centrals returned to the winners’ list with a 45-24 win against Broadford.
