General News
2 August, 2024
Point proven as Pies aim for vital top two finish
IN THE words of Boort A Grade netball coach Georgia Haw, the Magpies came onto the court against Birchip Watchem last Saturday with “a point to prove”. A week earlier, Boort’s clash with Wycheproof Narraport had been abandoned because of the...
IN THE words of Boort A Grade netball coach Georgia Haw, the Magpies came onto the court against Birchip Watchem last Saturday with “a point to prove”.
A week earlier, Boort’s clash with Wycheproof Narraport had been abandoned because of the poor state of Wyche’s home court.
In a compromise decision, the North Central Netball League later announced a forfeit for all senior teams, while junior squads will have a catch-up game at a date yet to be decided.
This meant Boort’s A Grade team got the four points but missed out on the chance to boost its percentage. The Magpies sit second on the ladder, a game behind local rivals Wedderburn.
Haw said getting the win by forfeit was “a bit annoying”, given that it meant Boort had an extra unforeseen “bye” and would have played only one weekend in three. She had cautioned earlier in the season that the Magpies often struggled after a week off the court.
In this case, though, Boort came out full of energy and intent, toppling fifth-placed Birchip by 23 goals. Goal shooter Amy Driden was back from an overseas holiday and slotted in seamlessly to the lineup.
Haw was optimistic Boort would finish the home and away season second and have the crucial double chance in the finals, but said Charlton, now in fourth and in stellar form, loomed as a threat.
“After this week we will definitely know,” she said. The Magpies face third-placed Nullawil, which sits just two points behind Boort.
The Magpies thrashed Nullawil 64-32 in round seven, so enter the clash with confidence.
Boort finishes off its season with matches against Donald (seventh) and last-placed St Arnaud.
Wedderburn coach Emma Lockhart said that despite sitting on top of the ladder “there are no easy games from here on in. We need to play our best every week”.
She expected a strong challenge from Birchip this Saturday, with the Bulls still a chance to make the finals. The Redbacks then face Nullawil and Donald in the final two rounds.