Western Warriors ran out of legs in the second last round of the Victorian Netball League season with their season to come to an end this week.
The Warriors held their last home game of the season on Sunday at Cobblebank Stadium in front of a big crowd, including friends and family.
The championship side had a big challenge against the Boroondara Express, which will finish the regular season in second spot.
The Express was able to build the lead throughout the match on the way to a 58-44 win.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said they weren’t able to match it for the whole four quarters.
“It was a good game actually, the score blew out in the end,” she said. “For most of the game we were quite competitive and they would take it out and we would bring it back.
“We got it back to six goals and most probably the lack of bench hindered us a little bit.
“We weren’t able to make some changes to rest players but they never looked like they would lose.
“They are second on the ladder for a reason.”
The Warriors missed Tayla Honey, who was out with an elbow injury she suffered in the previous round, while Molly Kennedy was unavailable.
On the other side, the Warriors were boosted by the return of Ruby Shannon from an ankle injury.
“She is just a workhorse,” Bailey said. “She had to play a full game in centre as we didn’t have the options to change.
“She takes so much on the body and her work rate was exceptional and she did a great job.”
Rebecca Hicks finished with 21 goals for the Warriors as they rotated the shooters to try and help the midcourters.
Bailey said Eliza Gollant was again terrific and solidified herself as a championship defender.
The Warriors 23 and under side also suffered another loss, losing to the Express 53-42.
Bailey said coach Tracey Howard seemed pretty happy with how they went.
Eva Ryan, who has changed from goal shooter to defence this season, showed her continued growth and was one that really impressed.
The Warriors finish their season on Wednesday night against the Hawks, who will play finals in both divisions.
Bailey said they would look to recover and hopefully finish the season on a high.
“We have nothing to lose and will give it our best to hopefully get a couple of wins.”
