MERBEIN’S self-belief meter is beginning to rise following a confidence-boosting win over Irymple at Henshilwood Park.
The Magpies recovered from a one-goal halftime deficit to record a 39-33 win to draw level on the ladder with fellow finals contender, only trailing in fifth place on percentage.
In comparison to some of the “blink and you’ll miss it’ attacking forays from other teams, Merbein were happy to utilise a slower, more methodical and precise passing game, often passing backwards to open up court space.
Post-game coach Breigh Hammet was over the moon her side put together four quarters of good netball.
“I don’t have anything negative to say this week, I’m really positive about how the girls played and if we play four quarters like that every week, watch out,” she said.
“The defence isn’t our issue, we always get enough of it but they don’t always finish so today was a much, much better performance from the girls and I’m really proud of them.
“Going into the game it was all about resetting, having someone on the line, go backwards and then go forwards again. And then hopefully for me, the fact they can now see the result of that, they can go forward because I think we can take it to most teams.
“It’s a confidence-boosting win. It’s hard because you take them off and my girls are always quick to point out their own mistakes instead of telling me what they’ve done well, so I hope today that positivity travels through.”
Despite being away from home their fans were out in force and in full voice for every pass, intercept and fingertip touching the ball.
Defensive duo Sophie Kroehn and skipper Johannah Gray were immense in the second half securing a number of important interceptions, with Sophie Gray and Stephanie White orchestrating moves into attack.
Wing attack Olivia Bowden had another impressive performance while young shooter Zali McMonnies was on target in the first half and Emily Gray deadly accurate in the second half.
Irymple shooter Meg Hammond, centre Shakara Delcastegne and wing defence Sophie Price did everything in their power to bring their side back into the game, while Indi Spratt’s range of passing was important in the first half.
Merbein have the bye this week while Irymple face second-placed Mildura.
