By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors produced one of their strongest performances of the Victorian Netball League season to get their fifth win of the season on Wednesday night.
Coming off a heartbreaking loss the week before, the Warriors came out strongly and led by six goals at quarter time.
They were able to stay in front and got the margin out to as much as 10.
With the game in control, the Warriors threw things around in the last and rested players which allowed the margin to come back in.
They were able to do enough to finish with a 62-58 win.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was pretty happy with the result.
“It got out to 10 at one stage I think, but then we made some moves and got some different combinations on,” she said.
“Some girls that haven’t played much we got them on the court. We were really pleased.
“We haven’t had that luxury and we really prepared well for this game.”
Bailey said the Lightning had one of their strongest line ups in for the season and it was going to be a good test for them.
She said she was impressed with the composure of her side.
“Stuck to the game plan,” she said. “We match up quite well against them.
“The last few weeks we’ve actually played some good netball. Last week even though we lost, it was by a goal to a quality team.”
Bailey said the next step is not letting sides back into the game when they take players off.
Both Warriors goal shooters Kim Borger and Rebecca Hicks were battling illness making their performances even better.
“To do what they did tonight [Wednesday],” she said. “I think Bec missed one goal for the game which was extraordinary.
“The movement that she has is amazing. For quite a tall, solid girl she can just move. We’ve seen her develop and flourish as a player.
“That’s why you coach. You coach to see those girls develop and how they can grow and she’s really grown this year.
“I’ve got her for two games each week, it has been really pleasing.”
Eliza Gollant continues to impress in her return from injury in defence. Bailey said that extra height in defence had been really helpful.
Bailey said Jasmine Fraser also had a really good game in defence.
The Warriors sit in seventh spot, six points outside the top six and finals.
In the 23 and unders, Bailey said they had a really good first quarter against a quality team with the scoreline reflecting on where the two teams were on the ladder.
The Warriors face the Casey Demons in round 14.
They will be without Fraser and Simona Di Filippo who are competing in the Super Netball Reserves finals series with the ACT and Northern Territory respectively.
