Blues coach Raewyn Poumako said she was unsure how long Higgins, who sustained the injury late in the 54-52 victory over the Roosters at Friendly Societies Park, would be sidelined for.

“It was a really nasty fall and she went to the hospital after the game and we are just waiting to see what the result is of her check-up,” Poumako said.

“She is pretty tough and if she is cleared she will play next week.”

The injury to her goal defender was the only down point for Poumako as her side joined the fight with South Warrnambool and Camperdown for fifth spot on the ladder.

The first-year Blues coach said she was feeling positive about how her side was progressing into the second half of the season, where they will play Portland, Camperdown, Port Fairy and Terang Mortlake.

“At the start of the season we weren’t making very good passing decisions, but now we are starting to play some much smarter netball,” Poumako said.

“We are are now passing the netball to girls who are in front and are a clear option. We aren’t rushing our passes and if we need to take our time we do.

“That will be something we will continue to work on as the year progresses.”

Poumako said there was a strong drive within the group to get better.

“They want to get better, they want to play well and they want to do their best as a team and are very encouraging to each other,” she said.

“We have a real good mix of young girls and our experienced girls in Amy Wormald and Sarah O’Keeffe.

“They (Amy and Sarah) lead by example on the court. They play hard, they play tough and they work really hard whether they are attacking or defending. They are playing good netball and their desire and energy rubs off on the rest of the group.” 

Poumako has been impressed with how her goaler combination of the experienced Wormald and 16-year-old goal shooter Jess Thwaites has developed in recent weeks.

“My two goalies are coming together as a strong combination and they work together and are both accurate, agile and they play really well with their space,” she said.

“You sometimes get combinations that really work and play well together and they are one of those combinations that are just very hard to beat.”

South Warrnambool now has a tough month ahead of them with games against Hamilton, Cobden, Terang Mortlake and Camperdown. The Roosters will be hoping to keep their grasp on their finals chances.