RDNL: Diggers Rest’s seniors clicking into winning mode

Diggers Rest went into last week’s Riddell District Netball League bye as arguably the form team of the competition.

After a slow start to the season, the Burras have won their past five matches.

Following the formation of a mostly new team in the off-season, Diggers Rest netball director Mel Sharp said the club expected it to take a few weeks for the wins to start coming in.

“We’re pretty happy with the progress for the season,” she said.

“In our seniors, we recruited several new players in the A-grade side and they’re coming together really well … I think they’ll come home strong.

“It’s been a real team effort. The five new recruits have helped improve the side, but it has really taken all of them working together to get into the position they are in.

“It’s not really about the individuals it’s been all about the team effort.”

Diggers Rest, sixth on the ladder, is in a battle with Macedon and Lancefield for a spot in the finals.

It isn’t just the A-grade side that’s charging towards finals – the club’s B and C-grade sides are in contention for a play-off berth.

Sharp believes one of the greatest successes of the season has been the club’s under-18 side.

After struggling for numbers early on, Diggers Rest is in seventh spot on the table and has a full squad.

“The under-18 sides have progressed wonderfully,” Sharp said.

“At the start of the year we were struggling to fill a side of seven girls on the court. Now we have 11 girls training every week, all pushing themselves really hard to make that squad.

“They’re a great bunch of young girls as well.

“They are committed and will keep improving throughout the season … we’re looking forward to future seasons with them as well.”