HEATHCOTE 9 19 30 47 d HORSHAM 7 21 28 32
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HORSHAM District Football Netball League’s senior netballers came up short of capping off the good work of the juniors with a win against Heathcote District Netball Association on Saturday.
The young Horsham outfit battled admirably against a tough opposition, but faltered in the last quarter as Heathcote put its foot on the accelerator.
Edenhope-Apsley goalie Rachael Whitehead teamed with Laharum’s Maddie Iredell for most of the match, and did enough to keep the home team in the match.
Heathcote had its nose in front at the first change with a 9-7 first quarter, as goalie Rebecca Smith started to find her range.
Smith was the most dominant player on the court for the match, finishing with 46 goals to lead the visitors to victory.
Claire Breed and Nikki Ervin worked hard in defence to try to contain Smith early in the match, creating plenty of turnovers.
Horsham fought back in the second quarter, with Georgia Francis feeding Whitehead and Iredell in a 14-goal term.
They held Heathcote to 10 goals to reverse the margin and take a two-goal lead into the main break.
The visitors came out firing again in the third quarter, scoring 11 goals and restricting Horsham to seven.
Despite the best efforts of Natimuk United defender Sophie Hutchinson – who was named Horsham’s best performer on the day – and Georgia McLennan in centre, Heathcote started working its way on top for good.
An ailing Horsham side was put to the sword in the final quarter as the blue and gold outscored the green and gold 17 to four.
Horsham coach Emma Forster said the final margin did not reflect the team’s effort.
“Well done to all junior teams on having a win – in the seniors we weren’t as lucky, but not through lack of trying,” she said.
“The senior girls came together as a very young side this year and were positive and willing to have a go.
“With the average age of the team only 19, it was a great opportunity to develop and learn from each other and mingle with players from other clubs.”