Em's Blog: Cold and Dark Stadium in the Sticks

Added 4 June 2008

Emily Matheson

Here we go!!!

Warrandyte:
A couple of weeks ago we headed to the cold and dark stadium in the sticks of outer Melbourne to meet last years Runners-Up team in Warrandyte. Only losing to them by 4 points earlier in the season, we came into this game with the confidence knowing we have the goods to match up against them especially coming off back to back wins the weekend before against Warrnambool and flag contenders Werribee.

We got off to a flying start, and found ourselves in the lead by up to 18 points at the best stage. At half time, we knew that Warrandyte would come out firing as they had nothing to lose and fire they did! With the expertise and experience of ex Australian player Sally Phillips and WNBL players Kate Cohen and towering Jo Metcalfe, Warrandyte took control of the fast pace that we initially threw into the match and slowed up the game. Unfortunately, in the last 3 minutes of the 4th quarter, Warrandyte hit another 3 pointer and took the lead. We couldn't get it back despite some great rebounding performances from De Araugo in the paint. Result: lost by 5 points.

Diamond Valley:
Last weekend we met the formidable DV at our home court on Saturday night. After having competed with them already on two occasions and going down by 18 and 19 points respectively, we went into this game knowing we had something to prove, to show it that we can actually match it with these guys. We began well (Smash hit a nice 3), the game was the fastest I have ever been involved in! There was only about 5 fouls called for the whole match (as you can imagine, the lack of whistles to slow the play and the fast pace that DV play the game combined with a scrappy press) and this contributed to many of our players tiring earlier than usual (or maybe it was just me!). So, coach rotated us through much more frequently and we tried to wear them down. We lowered the difference in the scores by 5 points at one stage just before half time and eventually went into the third quarter by 8 points. From here unfortunately DV took control and needed up securing the win by 20 points. Jess McKenzie put in a good shooting display and was the only player to hit double figures! We just need the whole team to fire against a great team like DV. It's very frustrating because we don't get another chance to play them this season, but good luck to them, they are the premiership favourites!!!

Well, now we have a bye for the long weekend, some time to rest those niggly injuries and prepare to play the rough ones from Werribee again! That will be a ripper of a match! Look forward to seeing you there! 1pm BSC 15th June!

Ciao for now, Ems #9

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