CENTRALS CLOSING THE GAP
CENTRALS Trinity Beach are confident they are closing the gap between them and the contenders in the Cairns Netball Association.
The Bulldogs went down to the powerful Cairns Saints on Friday night in week eight of the competition but were competitive for longer than what they had been earlier in the season.
Coach Kelly Hynes said her Bulldogs were battling three or four-minute lapses that let teams such as Saints put a flurry of goals on them.
“We feel like we have closed the gap somewhat between us and Saints,” Hynes said.
“They are the yardstick in the competition as they are full of Marlins.
“We lost by 30 something and 22 in the two times we have played them this year, so we are going along to closing the gap.
“We are lacking the ability to put four quarters together at the minute.”
Hynes praised the efforts of skipper Andrea Worthington and newcomers Michelle Johnson and Kirstin Jones in the 44-32 loss.
Saints were best served by Akayla Peterson and Rachel Fa’anana. Saints coach Jaimi Byrne said her side still had some work to do despite not dropping a game this season.
“We had a slow start and let them in the game,” Byrne said.
“We need to make sure we put in a consistent efforts for four quarters.
“Bulldogs have improved since the first time we played them.”
Leprechauns were too strong for South Cairns in the other week eight fixture.
Cairns Netball Association takes a break now with week nine games played on July 14 when Cutters tackle Sharks while Saints play Leprechauns.