It was a case of deja vu for the Western Warriors as a poor third quarter proved costly against the Bendigo Strikers in the Victorian Netball League.
The Warriors have been plagued from inconsistency within matches and from week to week this season.
Several matches they have lost after one poor quarter.
On Saturday, they produced some of their best netball of the season to lead by one goal at half time against the finals bound Strikers.
A 23-7 goal third quarter put paid to the Warriors hopes of an upset and their small finals hopes.
While they were better in the last quarter, the damage was done with the Strikers winning 70-51.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said it was disappointing to see the same thing happen again.
“It was really disappointing to give up a 23-7 quarter after being up by a goal at half time,” she said.
“Their intensity lifted and we didn’t respond. It was really disappointing.”
“We were able to recoup something back in the last quarter even though we didn’t win it.”
Bailey said they knew that the Strikers were a really good side and one that will contend in the finals.
She said they took it on in the first half and had some really good ball movement, with the two shooters in Kim Borger and Poppy Douglass working well together,
Jasmine Fraser was also doing a good job on Gab Richards.
Bailey said they struggled with their second phase passes in the second half and they weren’t able to fix it.
She said the absence of Ruby Shannon really hurt, while Rebecca Hicks missed through illness which limited their shooting options.
Borger shot 37 goals for the Warriors.
Bailey said until they fix their consistency issues they will struggle to get the results they were after.
“We’re really out of finals contention now,” she said. “It continues to happen.
“We have two games to finish off the year in a positive way.”
The Warriors 23 and under side lost 59-54.
Bailey said they did a really good job in that match.
She highlighted the performance of Sadie Cheeseman saying that the midcourter has had a remarkable season.
The Warriors will be at home at Cobblebank Stadium in Melton against the Boroondara Express on Sunday.
Bailey said they were hoping they would have a big crowd out there.
“We want to get as many of the community and around the matches and put out a performance that will get us the win.”
