Rupertswood played a strong four quarter game to dish out Diggers Rest’s first loss of the Riddell District Netball League season.
It was an even first quarter, before the Sharks got out to a six goal lead at half-time.
The Sharks looked the better side for much of the third quarter, but the Burras kept themselves in the game.
The Sharks stepped it up another level late, to win 47-37.
Both sides played high quality netball at times and had high levels of defensive pressure.
Turnovers were created by each side, especially in the middle quarters.
Sharks’ coach Di McCormack said the key for her side was that every combination of players gelled well.
“What I’m happy to see is there’s more of a connection with the girls this year,” she said.
“The intensity and work rate is up and if they can keep bringing that each game, then finals are a very good possibility.”
McCormack said the defensive pressure across the court was strong for most of the day, allowing them to force turnovers.
Abby Gilmore shot well for the Sharks, shooting 26 goals. McCormack said Gilmore had slotted well into the side.
She said it gave them three strong shooters – Gilmore, Hayley Mathews and Amy Starzer.
At the other end of the court, the Sharks looked strong throughout the game.
Lara Keating stood out in her three quarters on the court, with McCormack saying she had taken her game to the next level.
“It’s brilliant to see one of the young ones who has come up from our 19s and then to B-grade go the next step.
“She probably didn’t get as much court time last season. She’s showed real quality this season.”
The win leaves the Sharks sitting 3-1 after four rounds. Their only loss came from the undefeated Macedon side.
Having played three of last year’s finalists in the past three rounds, McCormack is rapt with how they’ve started.
“They’re working as a unified team and the work rate is there and the intensity has lifted,” she said.
“There were a few things in the Macedon game which would have got us over the line. We were in it for a long time.
“We didn’t play well enough and we let outside influences impact us and I think that was the difference.
“It’s been a good start.”
In other results, Macedon remains undefeated after a hard-fought win against Wallan, Romsey smashed Woodend-Hesket, Riddell proved too good for Melton Centrals and Rockbank returned to the winners’ list with a big win against Broadford.
