Tigers set to bounce back

RED Cliffs have regained their confidence and are ready to play their own game against Merbein, despite a loss last week to Irymple.

But the Tigers will have to give their all on Saturday when they face the fifth-placed side which has shown strong improvement this season.

Merbein defeated Ouyen United in round 1 and Robinvale Euston last week, but lost to Mildura and South Mildura in rounds 2 and 4.

Red Cliffs started the season well, drawing with sixth-placed Imperials before seeing defeat at the hands of Robinvale Euston, Wentworth and Irymple in rounds 3 to 5.

Both have already had a bye.

Speaking after last week’s 15 goal loss to the Swallows, coach Chantal Allford said she wasn’t disappointed by the loss, instead impressed by how the girls were coming together.

“Their movement down the court was really good,” she said.

“They are starting to come out of the woodwork and we are starting to really play as a team.”

Allford said the girls had found their feet again and were ready for the coming challenges.

She said shooters Jazmin Parker and Rubie Cope performed well in goals and believes they are back to feeling confident on the court.

“I think we found a bit more confidence in the ring which we had lost over the past couple of weeks,” Allford said.

Allford said the girls needed to focus on continuing to push when scores are close or they are ahead.

“The girls were able to work their way back (from behind last week),” Allford said.

“It seems that we just need to work on our (game) so we are not getting sucked into everyone else’s, just to make sure when we do bring it back, we can stay there.”

Despite not securing a win yet, the Tigers have proved their strong defensive pressure is not to be taken lightly.

The team’s defenders are expected to perform well against Merbein, with best on going to WD Lola O’Connor and GK Mikayla Mole last week.

Yelena Richardson was also in impressive form in GD.

“The defensive pressure through the whole court was great, but obviously our defence was absolutely immaculate,” Allford said.

“They put the pressure on from start to finish and really showed that their camaraderie has come a long way, they are an awesome little team, that trio.”

Merbein are fresh off of a win against seventh-placed Robinvale Euston and will need to use their speed and confidence to not be slowed by the Tigers.

Last week the Pies had strong mid-field presence that helped slow down the Eagles and keep them behind.

Emily Gray and Johannah Gray were the team’s best.

In the day’s other games, bottom-of-the-ladder Ouyen United will face South Mildura, who are sitting in fourth.

The two will battle it out at Blackburn Park.

At Henshilwood Oval, Irymple will aim to continue their winning streak against Imperials, who are fresh off of a bye.

At Brian Weightman Oval, undefeated Mildura will take on Robinvale Euston.

Top-of-the-ladder Wentworth have the bye.