With a Geelong & District Netball League finals spot guaranteed and fresh from a 10-goal win against the previously unbeaten Thomson, Belmont Lions can now focus on finishing top three and a double chance come finals time.
The Lions sit second on the ladder, one game behind Thomson and a game clear of Winchelsea.
Coach Shayna Brown said her team did a lot of preparation heading into the top of the table clash against the Tigers at Winter Reserve on Saturday.
“We worked on a few things defensively and our connection and link from defence to attack just seemed to work seamlessly,” she said.
“We worked on a couple of different defensive structures that we hadn’t actually done and it just paid off. I guess it was just our day.”
After an even first quarter, Belmont led by six at half time, eight at the last break before winning 60 to 50.
“The last time we played them, we weren’t able to apply that scoreboard pressure,” Brown said.
“So that was kind of our key focus that if we can just grind them out, and our fitness wasn’t going to be an issue. We’ve been putting in a lot of work.
“Thompson are a very good side. They’ve got some depth across the board. They can move players really anywhere.
“I didn’t have to make any changes. The girls were kind of going with the flow and just it looks like they’re having fun really.”
Belmont was well served by the two Sophies – Allison and Trezise – in defence.
“They were amazing,” Brown said.
“It’s been our focus the last four weeks – our defensive focus. We’ve got versatility across the board, but defensively we’ve been throwing in a few things and it’s been working. Their connection is unreal.”
The Lions now have a week off before the final five rounds of the home and away season. Brown, who is in her first year coaching the side, said there was plenty to work on.
“Some of the girls probably had different coaches in the past and my big thing was, instead of focusing on trying to change the girls to play to a style that I like as a coach, I try to play off what they’re all individually really good at,” she said.
“I guess my focus over the last six weeks is, now that connections are formed, let’s focus on what they’re really good at and let’s try and build on that.”
WINCHELSEA leaped into third spot, perhaps temporarily with East Geelong having a game in hand, with a 35 to 15 win against Corio. Ebony Coppock was good in attack for Winch while Erin Dillon was Corio’s best at goal defence.
ANAKIE kept its finals hopes alive with a 36 to 32 against Geelong West. Kyra Ballantyne was a constant threat in attack for the Roos while Abbey Chapman did the same for the Giants.
ROUND 13 continues this weekend with Bell Post Hill hosting Werribee Centrals, North Geelong travelling to East Geelong and Inverleigh taking on Bannockburn at home.
