Euroa’s A Grade netball side fell agonisingly short in their elimination final, with focus turning to consistency and starting stronger as they prepare for this weekend’s clash.
The Magpies fell to the top placed Bears, 54 to 59, after trailing by six goals at quarter time.
The second placed Magpies closed the gap to four goals by the end of the second quarter but never recovered and so booked a must-win game against Mooroopna.
Coach Ellie Warnock acknowledge there will need to be improvement leading into this weeks game.
“Our main takeaway from the match is that finals netball is all about consistency,” Warnock said.
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“We started really poorly and had to play catch up for the remainder of the game.
"We gave them too much of a head start by starting the first quarter six goals down, and in finals you just cannot afford that.”
Despite the slow start, the Magpies fought back bravely.
“We were able to get within one goal in the last quarter,” Warnock said.
“Unfortunately, we just could not sustain the level we were playing at for long enough and had too many lapses.
"It shows that when we are switched on - we can match it with anyone, but we need to do it for four solid quarters.”
The coach said the focus for the week ahead was clear.
“Heading into next week, our focus will be starting with greater intensity, maintaining consistency, and ensuring we value every possession,” she said.
“If we can capitalise on our centre passes, then we can take the little wins in defence.
"That is all it comes down to - playing safe, consistent netball.”
On the positive side, there were no injury concerns and some impressive individual performances.
The standouts were Mia Sudomirski and Sophie Owen.
“Mia is the playmaker of our attacking end,” Warnock said.
“The work she does to create opportunities for our attackers is so important.
"She does not always get the spotlight, but without her movement and vision, we would not have had the scoring chances we did.”
Owen, who started on the interchange, also caught the eye.
“Sophie came on in the second quarter and made a real impact,” Warnock said.
“She did a mountain of work through the centre and completely changed the momentum of the game.
"Her combination with Hollie Reid in wing attack gave us a spark, and her efforts were a big part of why we were able to get back into the contest.”
The Euroa A Grade now moves on to face fifth placed Mooroopna at Euroa Memorial Oval at 2.15pm this Sunday.
The Cats edged past Tatura by two goals in their elimination final.
Earlier this year, Euroa beat the Cats by 12 goals, and the Magpies hold recent finals bragging rights after their comfortable 16 goal win in last season’s preliminary final.
Elsewhere across the grades, Euroa’s B Grade side survived a thriller, defeating Seymour by one goal to earn a second chance.
They will now take on Echuca at Euroa Memorial Sunday.
15 and Under Echuca Murray side ended Euroa’s campaign with a nine-goal win.
B Reserve continued their strong run, controlling their contest against the Shepparton Swans and will face Seymour on Sunday at Euroa.
