Tara Murray
Melton Centrals will use their loss to Diggers Rest as a learning curve in the Riddell District Netball League.
After a strong first up win against Rockbank, Centrals were no match for an experienced Burras line up on Saturday.
The Burras, who had a bye in round one, led by double figures at quarter time and while it was reduced in the second quarter, they were able to hold a steady lead throughout before blowing out the margin to win 58-37.
Centrals coach Randy Pereira said they were beaten by a better team, who knew how to make the most of their opportunities.
“We played a fairly experienced Diggers Rest side,” he said. “We gave them the ball over and over again.
“We had plenty of chances, but we allowed them to dictate terms and allowed them to dictate positioning.
“They were the better team on the day.”
Pereira said the result and how they played would be a learning curve going forward. With the average age of the team in the early 20s, the group is still getting used to playing at this level together.
“We had four 17-year-olds and and 18-year-old,” he said.
“Our average age would be about 20.
“Last week against Rockbank they were brilliant. When they’re up and running, they’re really good.
“We were hesitant on Saturday and turned over the first three centre passes. In the second quarter we played with free abandonment and made up seven or eight goals, but then we started to throw balls away.
“When you’re young you start to second guess yourself.”
Pereira said they weren’t helped with one of their goalers missing the game, after being their best player in round one.
They threw around players to fill that void, with former A-grade star Bec Morabito, who came up from B-grade, playing the second half to provide some more experience in the circle.
Pereira said they missed several shots of goal, while the Burras only missed a couple which didn’t help the end result.
He said the side and overall program this year was a work in progress.
Pereira said they wanted to continue with the young talent and bringing players through the ranks.
“We were young last year and we’re even younger again this year,” he said.
“Our B-grade is still strong and our C-grade is struggling a little bit. We’ve got some very different lines up from last year.
“In our under-19s we have two players from last year.
“It’s a long term focus.”
In other matches, Woodend-Hesket made it two from two on Saturday. The Hawks were too strong for Wallan, winning 45-25.
Riddell opened its account against Romsey, winning 63-18.
Macedon is also undefeated after beating Lancefield 56-22.
There is a competition wide bye this weekend due to Easter.
The next round of matches., Riddell will host Woodend-Hesket, Centrals will face Wallan, Romsey will take on Western Rams, while Macedon will host Diggers Rest on Anzac Day.
