PENOLA’S A Grade netballers are well in the mix for the 2019 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara crown, but will face tough opposition on their way to the season decider.
The Eagles finished second on the ladder after the minor rounds, but used up their double-chance on Saturday, when they suffered a tight six-goal loss to third-placed Keith in a physical encounter.
Playing coach Kaitlin Egan said her team was disappointed with the result.
“I felt like we probably did not play our best netball,” she said.
“We are now really looking forward to this weekend to bounce back and have a good win to continue our finals pathway.”
Despite the outcome, there were positives to come from the clash, with the accurate shooting from Sarah Lock continuing to be a highlight.
The Penola defence applied solid pressure throughout the match and despite bringing the margin back to a one-goal deficit at three-quarter time, it was unable to convert that momentum into a win.
Up against Bordertown this week, Egan is confident the Eagles have what it takes to progress deeper into finals.
“We had a strong win last time we came up against them, but finals is always a different story,” she said.
“It could be interesting, but I feel like we should have a strong win against them.”
Little has separated the top teams this year and it will be a tough run to the premiership for whichever club makes it the full distance.
“The top three teams between Lucindale, Keith and us have all been pretty close and have all had close wins against each other,” Egan said.
“It is going to be pretty tight, but that is what makes it so exciting.”
However, Egan strongly believes Penola can go all the way.
“I am hoping we can go all the way and with the side we have I am definitely feeling confident that we can,” she said.
“Minus the little hiccup on the weekend I feel like we can bounce back and get ourselves going again for Bordertown this week.”
Making the journey to the Eagles’ nest before the 2019 season, Egan and husband Brock opted for a change of scenery – both previously at North Gambier in the Western Border league.
Egan said she has enjoyed the move and there is no denying she has tasted plenty of success in her first season as a coach and a player at Penola.
“It has been an awesome year and I have really enjoyed it,” she said.
“I am glad we made the decision to go to Penola, it has been a good experience.
“I have enjoyed it so much more than I probably would have thought.”
She said the people she has been surrounded by made the transition all the more smooth.
“It has been easier with the girls in the team – they have been amazing,” Egan said.
“They have all wanted to learn and apply and just get better and work as a team, which has been really good.”
Now back to a full roster, after the Winter girls had been tied up with basketball commitments, Egan hopes to continue the Eagles’ consistent season and make an appearance on the big stage on September 14.
