FORSAKING one round ball game for another is paying off for Indi Spratt and the Irymple A Grade netball side.
The Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week had to make tough choice as she struggled to balance studying nursing at La Trobe University with also playing netball for the Swallows and basketball for Mildura Heat this season.
“I started university this year and I devoted most of my time last year to basketball, so I thought I’d get more into netball this season over basketball,” Spratt said.
“We’ll see how I am going next year. I am missing it (basketball) a fair bit.”
Fourth-placed Irymple pulled off a hard-fought eight-goal victory over hosts Red Cliffs at the weekend to all but seal a finals berth.
“They are a very tough team, so it was good to get the win out there in what was really a fight over fourth place,” Spratt, who was forced into an unfamiliar role for the clash, said.
“Shak (Delcastegne) didn’t play so I ended up in centre. I have played there before but not for a full game in a very long time. It was a bit of a challenge, but I think I did OK.
“The positions are quite different … I prefer wing attack because I’ve played there more often, but I’m happy to play wherever I am required.”
The Swallows are 10 points clear of sixth-placed South Mildura and could continue their drive for the double chance with a home win over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
The team’s run to the line also includes a key clash with Robinvale Euston, who are third but only two points ahead of Irymple, then a final regular season game against Imperials.
“There’s no easy game this season or guaranteed one you are going to win. Imps beat us last time and we just want to redeem ourselves,” Spratt said.
“These last three games are very tough for four or five of the teams,” she said.
Irymple have been in the five all season but are really starting to click now.
“We are all training together and want the same goal. We only trained once a week before, but our cohesion has gotten a lot better as we are spending basically three days together now,” Spratt said.
“We trust each other a lot more now and if a mistake happens, we can back each other up.”
Spratt was also willing to take a glance further down the track.
“I think we can (win the title). We played really well against (undefeated) Wentworth last time. Wenty will be in the grand final no matter what, but I think we can battle it out with them,” she said.
Spratt is the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for round 15. She receives a $150 voucher for the Mildura Golf Resort.
