ONE passage of play typified Hampden netball on Saturday as rain and winds caused headaches for all A grade teams.
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It resulted in a goal to South Warrnambool coach Leah Kermeen in its 36-34 win against Cobden.
“In one instance Nell (Mitchell) and myself shot nine times and it didn’t hit the ring before we got it in,” Kermeen said.
“I got it in in the end and even the opposition cheered because of the horrific conditions.”
Kermeen said the Roosters, who enter the bye in fourth spot, started strongly which proved the difference as the weather took its toll.
“We had a three-goal lead at quarter-time and a three-goal lead was like 20 goals in terms of the wind,” she said.
“We had to keep it all very short — short, sharp play with the ball.”
Portland enters the bye in fifth spot after dispatching and undermanned Port Fairy at Hanlon Park.
Tigers shooter Lauren Hockley defied the miserable weather conditions to score 30 goals from 37 attempts in their 52-18 win.
Portland coach Kerri Jennings, who backed up her return game last weekend with a full game in centre, said the Tigers adjusted to the weather and played smart netball.
“Conditions were atrocious as they were for other games,” she said.
“I said from the start to keep the ball short and make leads in front.”
Jennings said the Tigers, who face third-placed Hamilton Kangaroos after the bye, were tentatively placed in the top five.
“We have to play every game like it’s a grand final because we have to hold our position in the five,” she said.
Portland will regain goal keeper Catherine Walder and versatile Laura Tagell, who have both been overseas, after the break.
Teenager Laura Kelly is expected to miss a few more weeks with a broken finger.
In other games, reigning premier North Warrnambool Eagles inflicted more pain on struggling Terang Mortlake with a comfortable 50-25 win at Bushfield Recreation Reserve and fellow top-five side Camperdown was forced to work hard for its 29-24 win over bottom-placed Warrnambool at Reid Oval.