Extra motivation powers Werrimull netballers against Nangiloc

WERRIMULL will be seeking redemption at the lake this weekend when they take on rival team Nangiloc.

The Pies and Demons will meet on Saturday for the first time since last season’s semi-final, when the then second-placed Nangiloc beat undefeated Werrimull.

Werrimull was then knocked out of the finals in straight sets.

Coach Anna Thomson said her team were looking to redeem themselves with a win against their rivals.

“Last time we played (Nangiloc) it was an extremely close game and unfortunately we didn’t come away with the win,” Thomson said.

“We were competitive and won all last year against them apart from in the finals.

“Redemption is definitely there and the team is very eager to take back that win.”

Thomson said getting an early win against Nangiloc would be a “very nice feeling”.

“We have always had a bit of rivalry with Nangiloc over the years.

“They have probably been our biggest competitors and the ones we are always most nervous about.”

Nangiloc co-coach Ginine Sluiter said Nangiloc felt good heading into the round but knew it would be a tough battle to win.

“They have always been our toughest competitors,” Sluiter said.

“We have had some changes, they have had some changes, so it’ll be an interesting game.”

Thomson said both teams had strong defence, which could sway the direction of the game.

She said if goal keeper Cassie Morris and goal defence Audrey Delahunty showed up the way they did in round 1, they would be key players to watch.

“(Morris) absolutely smashed it on Saturday – her talk on the court as well is what really helped us,” she said.

“Those girls haven’t played together before (last week) but they have played in the defence end and it really showed on Saturday.”

Werrimull defeated Meringur in last week’s round 1 match, and Nangiloc defeated Cardross.

Sluiter said Nangiloc was feeling good after the win, having clawed their way back from behind to secure a lead.

Hoping to back it up this week, the Demons will have shooter and captain Tess Thompson returning to the court after a week out.

“We will be able to move some of the girls back around the court,” she said.

“We have a lot of versatility this year so it’ll be nice to be able to use that in this game.”

Thomson said regardless of who won, the game would be great to watch.

“I think it will be a tight and competitive game which will be good to show the netball skills of the Millewa,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cardross will try to secure their first win of the season against Gol Gol at home and Bambill will take on Meringur, who will also be looking to get a win on the board, at Mildura Senior College.