Netball
7 July, 2024
Cougars move to sixth
Kaniva Leeor's A-grade netballers have moved a game clear in sixth position on the ladder following a 12-goal win over the Swifts at Kaniva Recreation Reserve in round 12 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Team manager Holly Pepper stepped into the coaching role with coach Kylie King away. The Cougars came out of the blocks fast leading by three goals at quarter-time.
With Alanna Furmston at wing defence, limiting the influence of Baggies Kristy Dodds, Nikki Hawker and Ruby Gordon shooting well up forward, the Cougars extended the margin to six points at half-time, after scores were level in the early stages of the quarter.
The Baggies threw everything they could at the Cougars in the third quarter, but the Cougars held firm, making most of their opportunities to extend the lead by another three goals, to lead by nine at three-quarter-time.
In the last quarter, they kept their cool and again outscored the Baggies by three goals to win 59-47.
Pepper said they did a lot of homework following their 40-49 loss to the Baggies in round two.
"They surprised us the first time we played them with their defensive setup, so we did our homework, and the girls came out firing and gave us a strong start, which was good to see," Pepper said.
The Cougars have struggled with consistency this season due to injuries and player availability, but this was the first game they were consistent in. All seven players stayed in their same positions, and Pepper did not need to make any substitutions.
"We had a solid seven that stayed on the court this entire week, and to be able to settle in for all four quarters and to have some consistency and apply the things on game day we are working on at training is excellent to see," Pepper explained.
"The pressure was huge, and I was on the edge of my seat in the second quarter when scores were level, but the girls pulled it together and slowly chipped away, which was good to see."
Zoe Hawker and Alannah Furmston were the Cougars' best players, while Nikki Hawker and Ruby Gordon combined well and shined up front, scoring 31 and 28 goals, respectively.
The duo has been combining well up forward since Blair Burke got injured, and with Burke's return imminent, a hard decision is looming for the Cougars.
"That was Ruby's best game so far. She killed it," Pepper said.
"Her accuracy was quite good, and she did so well. To be able to go from playing defence in the 15-and-under to goal-shooter in A-grade is brilliant.
"Alannah is traditionally an attacker, but I put her at wing defence, and she did a great job and took Kristy Dodds out of the game. She did very well."
For the Swifts, Rebbekkah Seeary shot 32 goals.
The win moves the Cougars to sixth on the ladder, two games behind Edenhope Apsley, one ahead of the Swifts, and two of the charging Rams. This gives them a good chance of making the finals, which is remarkable after not fielding an A-grade side last season.