Tara Murray
Diggers Rest put in a strong performance in difficult conditions to overcome the Western Rams in the Riddell District Netball League.
Playing each other for the first time since 2019, both sides had different looking sides compared to the last time they played each other.
Burras coach Pam Strong said she was really happy with the first three quarters for the 69-37 win.
“We were a bit nervous as they were a bit of an unknown,” Strong said. “We didn’t play them last year, which wasn’t a bad thing as they didn’t know about us.
“We started really well and played well for the first three quarters, especially under those conditions.
“It was a high scoring game, but the score didn’t reflect how hard fought the match was. We were able to capitalise on the turnovers better.”
Strong said it was a really good team performance.
Amy Starzer shot 48 goals, while Alexandra Ball shot 21. Strong said Ball also did a lot of defensive work out at goal attack.
Shelby Strong in wing attack and defender Stefanie Symes also had really good games.
The win has the Burras sit in third spot, only percentage behind second placed Woodend-Hesket.
Wallan and the Western Rams aren’t far behind after the first half of the season.
Strong said it had been a challenging season so far, with the competition extremely close.
“It’s challenging for everyone at the moment,” she said.
“People have had COVID and a few with the flu. Bella Hines tore her achilles in the first quarter against Macedon.
“We’ve been able to bring up and use players we’ve got at the club when needed as the club is quite healthy with depth.”
Strong said with the injury to Hines, they have a squad of eight for A-grade, which was both a positive and negative.
She said the group was really starting to click and players were settled into their positions.
The Burras, along with the whole competition, have this weekend off due to the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
They then face Melton Centrals before a bye the following week.
Strong said the break this week comes at a perfect time due to the nature of the first part of the season.
In other results, Wallan upset Macedon.
The Magpies led at every break in the 38-25 win. Wallan’s Karina Martin was named the Magpies best. Ciara Stewart was named the best for the Cats, who were missing Chloe Wilson.
Despite the loss, the Cats remain on top of the ladder.
In other games, Riddell beat Melton Centrals, 65-41, while Romsey and Lancefield drew 39 apiece.
