By Blair Burns
Narre Warren lost its first game since moving to the Southern Netball scene as the Magpies fell short by 10 goals against Caulfield Bears in round seven.
The Magpies were depleted and missing a number of players with Casey Demons netball commitments which ultimately hurt them as they came up short 42-32.
Gabrielle Dwyer, who played interleague last weekend, was a big loss at the defensive end of the court, while young stars Grace Loelu and Ruby Dwyer were on limited minutes due to their own commitments with Casey.
Narre Warren was also without Brittany Mashado (away), as well as Sophie Gambetta and Taylah Jencke (both out with illness).
Netball president Chelsea Tonna was proud of the effort that the team displayed, given they were missing lots of their regular talent.
“Our B grade girls came up and did a great job and they will take a lot out of the game,” Tonna said.
“The girls are finding that Southern is tough every week, whereas if we had players missing in the Outer East, we still could’ve scraped through with a win against a team that is lower on the ladder.
“So, you’ve just got to be at your best every week or you will get beaten, and every week matters because the ladder is so tight.”
The Magpies are hoping to welcome back all of their players for this Thursday’s round eight clash against Cheltenham at the indoor courts at Bayside Community Netball, with the match starting at 8.05pm.
Last time the Rosellas brought the intensity and both sides played out a thriller with Narre Warren winning by one goal.
“The girls are excited with the indoor game, we haven’t had one of those ever so it will be a bit different,” Tonna said.
“It was a really great contest against them last time, so we are looking forward to a similar battle.
“We have to play our game and our ball movement has to be slick as they are very defensive and bring good pressure … it’s all about implementing our game plans.”
