NORTH Warrnambool Eagles coach Jody Roth believes the Hampden league finals aspirant can consolidate its spot after overcoming a late season lull.
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The Eagles’ 58-39 thumping of Hamilton Kangaroos on Saturday ended a three-game losing streak.
Roth labelled the result “a huge relief” after emphasising to her players the importance of putting the game plan together on the court.
The Eagles, who sit in third spot, piled on 15 goals to eight in an opening term to signal their intentions.
“It was a good result. The girls ticked all the boxes and it was pleasing the way they performed,” Roth said.
“We’ve had a lull the last three weeks as people can see from the results.
“They (my players) are so young but they are experienced and have skill.
“Yesterday I pushed the point that the game was do-or-die for us. I put it back on the players.
“As a coach you can give instructions but at the end of the day, they have to put the performance together on the court.”
Roth said the Eagles responded well.
She lauded their camaraderie – something which was lacking in recent weeks.
“Georgia Corbett and Zoe Bussell smashed it at wing defence and goal defence and they’re two of our youngest girls in the side,” she said.
“And Rachael Ryan (played well too). Our defence kept us in the game. They were getting their hands on little tips and intercepts.”
In other games, Camperdown retained second spot after accounting for Portland, 61-43, and Port Fairy returned to the top five following its 51-43 win over South Warrnambool.
The top five remains unsettled just a fortnight out from finals.