Bacchus Marsh has exceeded expectations so far in the Ballarat Netball League but has its sights set on bigger things.
After returning to the winners list for the first time since 2019, the Cobras have six wins on the board at the interleague break.
Coach Nichole Gleeson said they had come together quicker than what she had expected them to.
“I think the way we started we were finding our feet and it came together quickly,” she said. “It has been amazing, I didn’t expect to have these results.
“We’ve had a lot of near misses and a couple of games that we could have won.
“The second half of the season we are excited to see what we can do, especially against the sides above us.”
Gleeson said their biggest challenge in the first half of the season has been running out games.
With players out and limited players on the bench due to player points, the side has been relying on the core group to play the whole game.
“A lot of the close losses we’ve got girls playing out full games,” she said. “While they’ve had rolling benches.
“We’ve been restricted with player points this season and it has been difficult to run out 60 minutes of solid game.
“Towards the end we had burned out. The girls fitness has improved and we’ve been strategic with trying to rest them a bit while they are on court.
“We think we are starting to be competitive for 60 minutes.”
With some player outs, the Cobras have been able to bring in Melissa Prismall to play some games and add some experience in the midcourt.
Gleeson said she had been a big asset in the midcourt with her experience and knowledge and had helped gel combinations.
The Cobras had the weekend off due to the interleague bye.
Gleeson said the break for interleague had come at a good time.
“We can rest and reset for the rest of the season,” she said. “We’ve got some players out and one that has just come back from injury.
“We’ll have a full side back after the break to challenge for the second half of the season.
“It looks like it will be good.”
Focus when they return is on trying to lock up a finals spot, something they haven’t done very often.
The side currently sits in sixth spot.
“It’s really exciting,” she said. “We’re having a lot of success at the lower lears as well so we might so a few teams participate in finals.
“This year has been a massive achievement for the club.”
