Tigers turn it around
TORQUAY’S 23-goal win against Ocean Grove on Saturday is proof netball is a game of contrasts.
“It was our best team performance of the year,” Tigers coach Courtney Cuolahan said.
In contrast, Grubbers coach Elyse Howard said: “It was probably our worst on-court performance of the season.”
The last time the two clubs met it was a different story, with the Grubbers coming away with a 13goal win, proving how unpredictable BFL netball remains.
Cuolahan said sticking to structure was integral to the win.
“In previous weeks we’ve maybe tried to do too much. We stuck to the structures and everyone contributed evenly,” she said.
“It was a team game and that showed in that we won every quarter.”
Lauren Berridge worked well in goal defence, consistently getting in front of her opponent and taking intercepts.
Rebecca Trenerry’s work rate in wing attack was also impressive, providing the Tigers with many streamlined goal circle entries.
“Everyone contributed though. The vibe was really good,” Cuolahan said.
Howard conceded: “We were beaten all over the court.
“They played extremely well. I thought our final quarter was significantly better, which gives us something positive to focus on moving forward, but they just came out to win.”
Now fourth on the ladder with 10 wins, the Tigers are hoping to make a late charge home with an eye on finals.
And with three winnable games left in the home-and-away season against Drysdale, Newcomb and Portarlington, it is reasonable to expect Torquay will be in the mix for the double chance.
“Ocean Grove is the highestplaced team we’ll play in the last month, so hopefully we’ll have some momentum going into finals,” Cuolahan said.
Ocean Grove has a slightly tougher run home, up against reigning premier Modewarre next week.
But the Grubbers have proven their capability against strong sides this season and could also enjoy a smooth run home against Drysdale and Queenscliff in the last two weeks of the season.
“Today aside, we hopefully will still make finals,” Howard said.
“The reality of the competition is it’s all about which group can hold their position as the season ends.
“We had a few players under the weather with illness during the week so it was always going to be a bit tougher . . . We’ll start fresh next week.”