Tara Murray
Melton got some reward for effort in the Ballarat Netball League, with the side winning its first match of the season.
Having not had an A-grade team last season, the Bloods have worked hard to get a team back out on the court.
On Saturday, the team tasted winning success, beating Bacchus Marsh, 85-21.
Bloods coach Nichole Gleeson was ecstatic to finally get the result they had been hoping for.
“It is really good, we got wins in A-grade and B-grade,” she said.
“It was something we had wanted and something that we had worked towards. We knew it would be a struggle to get an A-grade side together, to get a win is an amazing effort.”
The Bloods faced a struggling Bacchus Marsh side, with many of the side having to play two games in a day.
Gleeson said once they started to get a good lead, they were keen to push the score past 80 and boost their percentage.
“We didn’t expect to have that good win,” she said.
“Bacchus Marsh are a great club and we understand what they’re going through. It was a really good contest and the game was played in really good spirits.
“The win will lift everyone’s spirits and it has done that for the girls.”
Maryrose Vitale shot 29 goals for the Bloods, while Paige Gilcrist shot 26 goals.
The win moves the Bloods up to eighth on the ladder, a game outside the top six.
Gleeson said for them this season is about the bigger picture and looking to the future.
“We’re using this season to build,” she said. “We’ve had a lot come from different areas.
“The players are working towards structures, team work and team atmosphere to build a stronger team going forward.
“The team has taken a lot of steps forward.”
The Bloods this week face East Point.
Gleeson said they were hoping to build on this week and continue that good form.
With East Point yet to win a game, it’s another winnable game for the Bloods.
In other matches, Darley snuck home against Melton South in a thriller.
Two of last season’s finalists, the under strength Devils managed to win 48-47.
Rebecca Hicks shot 41 goals for the Devils, who remain undefeated.
Loia Tuafafo scored 27 goals for the Panthers.
The Panthers sit in seventh spot a game outside the top six.
