Trevor Jackson
THE Millicent Magic women suffered one of just two losses for the season on Sunday, with a tough contest against the Warrnambool Mermaids.
A skinny roster headed across the border in the stifling heat, which proved to be the downfall of the Magic.
However, it was an impressive effort from those six who took to the floor, with coach Damian Venn proud of his players, despite the loss.
“I don’t like losing, but that was the proudest I have been with a loss,” he said.
“The girls worked hard and at the end were all spent.
“We stayed with them until four or five minutes to go, but we had nothing left in the tank.”
Apart from the small roster, Venn also faced another issue, with Poppy Venn out early with a cork injury.
That left five players to run out the game, which was always going to be a tough ask in such hot conditions.
“We had a few players pull out late for unforeseen reasons and we chased hard to find numbers,” Venn said.
“In the end we went away with a 14 year old, two 15 year olds, one 16 year old, one 18 year old and a 22 year old.
“Both Alana (Berkefled) and Georgia (Winter) were coming off ankle injuries.
“At the end of the game they took the floor temperature and it was 35 degrees.”
Despite the lack of numbers, Venn said he went into the game thinking it was a winnable contest.
Unfortunately the missing players meant a lack of rotations and scoring depth.
Still, Venn said it was certainly a gutsy effort.
“Alana had a cracking game – the work she did in defence was outstanding,” he said.
“Edie (Easterby) had 18 points in the first half, Piper (Paul) was outstanding in her first game and we were right there all day.
“The girls played their hearts out.”
The Magic will now prepare for a home game against Terang Tornadoes on Saturday night.
