By Justin Flynn
Bannockburn coach Alana Nicol isn’t content with being three games and percentage inside the Geelong District Netball League top five and wants her side to keep winning to assure itself of a finals spot.
The 2019 premiership player is in her first year as coach of the A Grade side, which she described as being “challenging but also good”.
With four rounds to go, Bannockburn is above Corio on the ladder and two more wins will guarantee finals action, but one win could be enough.
Nicol said the side had been inconsistent this season, but has what it takes against the best teams.
“We beat Werribee (Centrals) and came close to Thomson and we have performed well against the top sides, but we’ve lost to teams below us on the ladder,” she said
“Every time we take it to the top teams we’re close and you have to play the top teams in finals, so I guess that’s encouraging.
“We need to keep winning because I feel that, worst case, we could end up equal with sixth and only separated by percentage.”
Bannockburn gained percentage on the weekend via a 63 to 17 win against Geelong West.
Goal defence Erin Dillon and goal attack Georgia Connors were superb in the win.
“It was good to get in and get the job done and practice our set plays,” Nicol said.
“Geelong West didn’t give up all game and kept making us work. It was a 56-goal win, but it didn’t feel like that.
“This season a lot of teams have been giving the top teams a run and pushing them.
“It’s great for the competition, it makes it more interesting and fun.”
Bannockburn powered away in the final term, piling on 19 goals to two.
Nicol said her message at the last break was clear.
“I said we had to start again and keep pushing,” she said.
“Clean the slate and start again. We needed to push out that percentage.”
The Tigers face 10th placed Anakie this weekend in a game they should win, but Nicol isn’t one bit complacent.
“Last time we played them we only won by a goal,” she said.
“We didn’t have a few of our goalers so I’m a bit more confident this time, although I’m still going into the game a bit cautious.”
Ruby Shannahan, who shot 50 goals against Geelong West, missed the first encounter with Anakie, but will be available, although Rosie Shannahan will miss through work commitments.
Top side Thomson thrashed bottom placed Bell Post Hill with Kaytlyn Stone best on court.
Winchelsea took care of business against Anakie with Gemma Stavenuiter starring.
East Geelong had a fright against Belmont, but emerged triumphant while Werribee Centrals were too good for Inverleigh and Corio kept its finals hopes flickering with a 25-goal win against North Geelong.
