Back to back?

Natimuk United is in a strong position to snare back-to-back Horsham District A Grade flags after dropping only one game for the season. The Ewes claimed second spot with 15 wins and a healthy percentage after another solid year on the court. Playing coach Cheryl Sudholz said she felt positive heading into another finals series. “I think we’re all fit and willing, which is a good start,” she said. “We’ve been playing a few practice games in the lead-up to finals to prepare, which have been helpful.” The Ewes have a bye at the weekend before meeting Laharum in a second semi-final the following week. The sides have only played each other once this season – with L a h a r u m coming out in front by 11 goals – and the game for a grand final berth is sure to be a cracker. Natimuk United has fielded a similar team to last year’s premiership outfit, with a couple of exceptions. Jo Taylor has returned to A Grade after winning a B Grade flag following a serious knee injury. She forms a potent partnership with tall keeper Casey Vanstan, who is enjoying a stellar season. The Ewes have also welcomed Alysha Liston this year, who has added depth to the side’s shooting and midcourt capabilities.

Tall shooter Shannon Couch is still the side’s primary avenue to goal and provides a difficult match-up for any defender, while Amy Pilgrim has stepped up to offer more support in the ring. Emily Hateley, Sudholz, Michelle Trigg and Danielle Fleay are all talented, experienced midcourters who work well in a variety of combinations. Sudholz believes unity is her side’s biggest strength. “We’re very good at talking to each other,” she said. “We discuss a lot of things together and no opinion is frowned upon. It’s not just a case of me telling the girls what to do, everyone can have input. We take any criticism on board and try ideas – if it doesn’t work, we try something else. That’s always been a plus.”

The Ewes boast strong players across all lines and have a firm focus on fitness.

“A few of us are getting older so keeping up our fitness is a strength. We find against some teams we’re not up by a big margin at half time, or we struggle to be up, yet we can tell when the other team drops off in the second half.”

Sudholz said the home-and-away season was a competitive one, keeping the Ewes on their toes.

“I didn’t know how to start our side this year because the other teams had changed so much,” she said. “You never knew what you were going to get.” Sudholz said she looked forward to seeing what finals would bring.

“It would be nice to make the day again and of course, to win, which is what we are all striving for,” she said.

“We’ve never gone back to back before so it would be wonderful if we could get it.”

The club has had an outstanding 2018, with all seven netball sides to contest finals action.

“It’s been an exciting year,” Sudholz said.