Supersaints daring to dream
ST Albans coach Nicole Richardson believes her side has what it takes to dethrone Newtown & Chilwell from its fiveyear premiership reign.
The Supersaints remain the clear frontrunner to challenge the Eagles after an impressive 57-36 win over St Mary’s in Saturday’s GFL qualifying final.
Richardson’s in-form and skilled side will have its shot at ending the Eagles’ streak when the two teams meet in this weekend’s second semi-final.
“They have an incredible record,” the coach said of the Eagles, who have not lost a game since 2012.
“You can’t even call it a winloss record because they haven’t lost.
“But when we played them during the year we weren’t at full strength and only lost by eight, so I definitely think we could take it to them. “We’ve got nothing to lose. “Not being at full strength against St Mary’s but still scoring nearly 60 goals shows that we do have that versatility.”
Despite not having their usual line-up, the Supersaints showed their class with both goalers shooting at better than 90 per cent accuracy.
Andrea Tai (15 from 16) and Caitlin Hill (39 from 40) helped establish St Albans’ lead early.
Ahead by five goals at quarter-time, they helped grow the margin to 12 at halftime and 20 at the final break.
“Our girls executed well, which was really pleasing,” Richardson said.
The Supersaints further proved their depth, with Zoe Davies, Maggie Lind, Soli Ropati and Jane Cook out with Victorian Netball League commitments, and star goaler Tharjini Sivalingam in Singapore for the Asian Netball Championships.
“It’s really positive moving forward,” the coach said.
“The girls executed well and we’ve been able to produce some really strong performances throughout the year, even when key players are tied up with external commitments.
“St Mary’s were in the same boat with Hannah (Van Gemst) out with VNL commitments as well. “It’s just how it is.” The Supersaints will still be missing their star 208cm shooter Sivalingam this week, but Richardson is pleased the side will be bolstered with players previously tied up with VNL commitments.