Reigning premier falls short

REIGNING premier Modewarre had a less than ideal start to the season, fading in the final quarter to lose to rival Torquay 43-40.

Co-coach Matt Armstrong said the club felt the high expectations going into the game.

“We were nervous, last year was last year. It all starts from zero again,” he said.

Torquay burst out of the blocks led by multi-talented player Courtney Cuolahan, who is also the team coach. Despite Modewarre’s efficient ball movement, the in- ability to convert in the ring gave Torquay the chance to pull away, giving the Tigers a 9-4 lead at quarter-time.

However, Modewarre regained composure and appeared in control in the second quarter, scoring 15 goals to the Tigers’ nine.

A position change in goalshooter saw the Warriors extend their one-goal lead at half-time to five at the final break, led by star player Kim Martin.

Martin was integral to the club’s grand final victory last year, responsible for 32 of the team’s 43 goal total.

However, external commitments will leave Modew- arre without their star shooter for much of the year.

“Yeah, she’s massive for us. She’s going to be in and out of the side this year due to other commitments, so when she plays it’s obviously going to be a huge bonus. When we can have her, we’re definitely going to use her,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong saw the loss as an indicator of how tight the competition would be in 2018.

“It’s always good to find out where you’re at in Round 1,” he said. “We’ve found out where we’re at and what we need to work on, and we’re keen to move forward from here now.”