The ball was in the Hawks’ goal circle when the final whistle was blown to seal the 33-32 goal loss in the Mininera and District Netball Association qualifying final.

It was an even contest throughout the day with neither team building much of a buffer.

The Hawks took a one goal lead into the long break but weren’t able to hold on.

It was a tense last few minutes with both sides leaving nothing in the tank.

Coach Bree Harris said it was a good effort by the team.

“Our team spirit was there today,” she said.

“We felt calm and I thought we were patient but just found ourselves on the wrong end of the score at the end.”

The Hawks had clear plans to try and combat Hawkesdale-Macarthur’s style.

Harris said the plans were carried out well on the day.

“We went into today trying to slow Hawkesdale-Macarthur’s drive,” she said.

“And they are pretty accurate under the ring so it was about trying to limit their supply.”

“It was important to maintain possession during the game and not get rushed into choosing the wrong option.”

There were plenty of players who played well despite the result.

Harris said that there were two players in particular that troubled Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

“Laura McDougall at centre is the engine of the game and she ran and gave options the entire game.

“Goalkeeper Ash Marx was also strong down the defensive end.”

The loss sets up a semi-final against Glenthompson-Dunkeld in Ararat on September 4.