Netball
2 May, 2025
Eagles prepare for Burra battle
It wasn't the result coach of the Eagles Sarah Spicer was looking for last Saturday against the Thunder, but there were positives still to come from the game.
Southern Mallee Thunder defeated Warrack 35 to 23 in a low-scoring battle at Anzac Park.
The Eagles were behind from the get-go, down after the first quarter by three, by 13 at half time and by nine heading into the last term.
For the Eagles Leiah McKenzie and Jess Kelly performed well, predominantly in Wing Defence and Goal Keeper respectively.
The Thunder were better served by Sydney Thorogood and Emma Mill; Thorogood in Goal Keeper and Mill in Goal Shooter, contributing 16 goals for her side.
In what was Warrack's first game of the season, Spicer said her side went into the game with no expectations and were happy with their result.
"We consider Thunder a good side, we think they will have a good year and be right up there," Spicer said.
"I thought we had just as much of the ball as Thunder did, they were just a bit better at finishing, and moving the ball through their goalies and putting the ball in the ring.
"But the positives are definitlely we had plenty of the ball and our defensive pressure was great across the court.
"There are things for us to improve on - which is a good thing."
Spicer said her side is young - but the team will come together and gel as it gets deeper into the season.
"With players that are younger, some weeks it works, others it doesn't and sometimes there is no reason, but having players that are young is exciting and you can mould them," she said.
This Saturday the Eagles do battle with Minyip Murtoa, who are also yet to get a win this season in their two hitouts.
Spicer said the Burras are also a bit of a new side, and will be trying to pull it all together as the season starts.
"I don't mind not knowing what to expect, because then you can go out there and play our own game," she said.
"When you know what to expect you can try to combat that before the game even starts, which can get in your head.
"We are just looking forward to the game, looking to improve and hopefully we can get the win."