BY Lotte Reiter

Is there ever a greater incentive for a sporting side than retribution?

While some are chasing a premiership reprise, others in the 2019 Horsham District netball season are fuelled by last year’s wounds.

Edenhope-Apsley’s A Grade netballers bowed out on the cusp of a grand-final play off last year, losing their grip against Laharum mid-game and a chance to contend for that elusive premiership flag.

The Saints ultimately went down by 12 goals and it’s a result likely to be fresh in the minds of the west-Wimmera girls as they come off the back of a round 18 loss to the Demons at the weekend.

The match brings the outfit’s tally to nine wins and seven loses, securing them fifth place on the 2019 ladder. 

For the Saints, it is a welcomed claim to finals once more, and the outfit’s charges will no doubt be buzzing as they prepare to take another crack at glory.

Edenhope-Apsley in its season-starters wrapped together three straight victories against Pimpinio, Taylors Lake and Kalkee.

However, moving forward it has been a tumultuous ride, with the team relying on travelling players to fill gaps as a result of injury, pregnancy or loss of key players.

Co-coach Sarah Domaschenz said she was carrying injuries and had missed a few games.

“We had Cynthia Watt and Krystal Schapel leave early in the year. We’ve been a little unsettled,” she said.

“We haven’t been able to play with a full side for a lot of games. We probably haven’t trained together at all this season. 

“Ellie Thomas lives in Loxton so it’s a three-to-four-hour drive to get here. But we might have a couple of group training sessions before we go to finals.”

Despite some season difficulties, the Saints have still made a point in proving their capabilities on court.

Domaschenz and a young Dulcie Shirrefs are versatile players, offering the Saints plenty of options.

Co-coach Ellie Thomas, who returned to the club after a decade-long break this year, has also been a strong asset and will be a player to watch come game-day.

Slotting into goal-attack, Thomas has paired well with shooter Georgia Lowe recently to put the pressure on their competitors’ defence and feed the Saints’ tally, particularly in close-call games.

“Recruiting Ellie has been a massive plus, she brings a lot to our club,” Domaschenz said.

“Ellie and Georgia are beautiful goalies and add height to the ring, which is probably something we didn’t have last year.

“Our defensive line is really working well, and we have the speed in wing attack with Chloe Tuffnell.”

As the Saints approach the finals series once more, Thomas said a positive mindset from her charges would be the key to taking them over the line.

“There’s definitely the desire to go one step further,” she said.

“I think we’ve been playing some really good netball this year. If we can maintain a positive mindset, I think we can make it there.”

The entire August 21, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!