Rockbank’s return to Riddell District Netball League A grade competition has been rocky, but the Rams are confident they aren’t far from finding their feet.
After failing to get the numbers for an A-grade team last season, the Rams set about revamping their netball program.
With new players across all grades and a new coaching group led by Lizzy Masterson, there was plenty of excitement entering the season.
The Rams’ first A-grade game ended abruptly when lightning forced the game against Melton Centrals to be called off midway through the third quarter.
The Centrals were awarded the win as they were leading 24-10 at the time.
On Saturday, the Rams suffered a 52-30 loss to a strong Lancefield line-up. The Tigers led by eight goals at quarter-time and extended the lead at every break.
Rockbank A-grade captain Rianne Vining said players had faced a steep learning curve to start the season.
“It’s been really good,” she said. “Most of us have come from Anakie.
“We’ve fitted in really nicely at Rockbank and it’s a good club.
“The aim is to rebuild the club and hopefully in the future we can make finals and possibly premierships.”
Vining said they had found the league’s standard so far to be similar to that of the Geelong and District Football League in which much of the side played last season.
“I think at the moment we’re very unsettled and the scoreboard hasn’t shown what we can do,” she said.
“We’re not playing how I know we can play. Once we sort out a few positions, I think we can hopefully gel. It’s about finding the right combinations.”
It wasn’t all bad news on Saturday, with the Rams’ under-19 team getting the club’s first netball win of the season.
The C-grade side suffered a one goal loss.
In other results, Diggers Rest had a solid win against Woodend-Hesket in a high-scoring game.
Missing several players, the Burras still did it with ease for a 70-49 victory.
Alicija Marko Rawlings shot 37 goals, while Amy Carroll, who shot 33, was best on court.
Riddell was too strong for Sunbury Kangaroos with a 71-37 win.
Romsey and Melton Centrals had the week off, with the two sides playing last week, the Redbacks winning 54-40.
Macedon and Rupertswood are due to play on Anzac Day.
