By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham Warriors Championship Women’s team came home with a wet sail but weren’t able to close the Camberwell lead in round one Big V action at Cardinia Life on Saturday
The Warriors ultimately went down by five points – 61-66 – in a disappointing start to the season.
The Warriors will reflect on the first quarter, where they were only able to put eight points on the board, while leaking 20.
They were able to peg much of that back in a high-scoring second stanza, but couldn’t maintain it in the third, leaving them 14 points in arrears heading into the last.
Import Haille Nickerson carried her strong form on from last season, scoring 16 points to go with eight rebounds and playing the most minutes of the Warriors.
The Warriors showed glimpses that they will adapt to the way new coach Robertus Dielemans wants them to transition, but weren’t able to piece it together for a full four quarters on Saturday.
“We didn’t make the most of the opportunities presented to us and gave up too many rebounds – and they shot well,” he said.
“The team is coming to terms with playing a different offensive style.
“Apart from on-ball pressure the defensive transition is stronger.”
The coach was also happy with the effort of Samantha Romaowski in the first half, while Mel Prior won the player’s vote for skipper in her first season at the club, underlining that she’s one to watch in 2023.
Meanwhile, Joe Davis and Josh Dow carried their form and class into season 2023, scoring 58 points between them in Pakenham men’s 23-point victory over Southern Peninsula.
Last year’s Youth League MVP Michael Johns was another starter and coach Rob Roberts said he held his own in his 24 minutes on the court.
“After the preseason, I looked at him and said ‘he’s ready for the next level’ so after a chat with Braden and him, we agreed the men’s would be better for him,” Roberts said.
“He has the pace and quick movement we’re looking for – he’s a creator at whatever level he plays.”
In the absence of Nathan Dodgson and Alistair Parker through injury, and with lots of experience having retired at the end of 2022, Roberts was also pleased with the on-field leadership.
Dow, Ned Weideman and Davis are the co-captains, with Weideman highlighted as one whose defensive role was important for the team.
The coach believes mirroring the depth in leadership this season is the overall depth which has the squad primed, as they’ll look to make it two from two against a strong Shepparton team on Sunday.
The youth men’s team, meanwhile, used 11 players but went down by 10 points after a poor first half.
The youth women also lost by 10 points to open the season.
