Blighty’s A grade side have their Picola & District League season back on track following an upset win over Rennie on Saturday.
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The Redeyes led from start to finish in what was a tight encounter all game against a top eight side.
Blighty showed patience throughout the contest, especially when the Hoppers got close in the final few minutes.
While Rennie looked like they may run over the top of the struggling Blighty side, the visitors kept their composure in the dying stages of the match to hold on by two goals to claim their second win of the season.
The victory sees the Redeyes within two wins of the top eight, despite sitting 12th on the ladder.
Redeyes playing coach Molly Cochrane said she was ‘‘extremely proud’’ of every player who took to the court on Saturday.
‘‘The major difference (on Saturday) was each and every player backed one another up and we always had more than one option to the ball,’’ she said.
‘‘Special mention to Keeley Coates on having a best on court performance, driving hard and finishing it off with a beautiful shot every time.’’
Final score, Blighty 41 to Rennie 39. Awards: Local Dental- Keeley Coates; IGA - Zoe Stephens; Hair Desir- Molly Cochrane; Al’s Canvas and trimming - Lucy Simpson.
Blighty’s B grade game stuck with Rennie and were quite even at half time but again let their opponent run away with the win in the end.
Defence from Alex and Steph Barry was again great while Correne Cooper was a strong force in the centre, as always.
The Redeyes were unable to reward defensive turnovers to goals with their inability to string together four strong quarters proving costly against the Hoppers.
Final score, Rennie 44 to Blighty 27. Awards: Correne Cooper, Alex Barry and Georgia Bradford.
Some sweet shooting by Lauren Butcher has helped Blighty’s C grade to their second win of the season.
The Redeyes rallied around together to win what was their best game of the season.
Final score, Blighty 39 to Rennie 37. Awards: Lauren Butcher, Bridie Williams and Brooke Griffiths. The C reserve Redeyes put forward a great effort but unfortunately were unable to overcome Rennie.
Blighty’s players tried hard with some forced positional changes, with better shooting in the second half from Tiah Macdonald a highlight.
Stacey Doolan played hard all game presenting lots of turnovers while Natalie Green defended well.
Callie Learmonth ran hard all game and Lou Hanmer played well in positions not normally played.
Final score, Rennie 32 to Blighty 19. Awards: Hong Loch - Stacey Doolan; Blighty Pub - Natalie Green; Chocolate - Tiah Macdonald.
After two weeks off Blighty’s Under 17s came out strongly and fought hard all game to come away with a great win.
Final score, Blighty 44 to Rennie 22. Awards: Karla Nicholls, Emmaline Weir, Kelsey Hislop, Gabby Clarke, Sophie Murray and Lillie Harford.
It was an absolute thriller in an Under 15s top of the table clash between Blighty and Rennie, but it was the latter scoring the win by four goals.
In a close game, the Redeyes we were up and down with all players working hard.
The loss was Blighty’s first for the season, ending a nine game winning streak, while the Hoppers remain undefeated.
Final score, Rennie 32 to Blighty 28. Awards: Finley Bakery - Shelby Hislop, Canteen - Eliza Bradford, Drink bottle and towel- Bridie Blake; IGA - Kate Westcott.
Blighty’s Under 13s also suffered their first loss of the season, going down to Rennie by three goals.
It was a great learning experience for Blighty, with their eagerness to come back tougher in the upcoming weeks rising.
Final score, Rennie 17 to Blighty 14. Awards: Jasmyn McKenzie, Stevie Bateman, Erica Nicholls, Melina Tidcombe and Jessica Hanmer.
It was a tough game for Blighty’s U11s but the team went well and gave it their all.
Awards: Drink bottles - Dakota McKenzie and Angus Waters; Juice Box and Mars Bar - Shaniqua Seccull; Juice Box - Emily Hanmer; Finley Quality Meat s- Ruby Caruso; Canteen voucher - Eliza Fox.
The Club Person of the Day went to Zara Macdonald and Care South award went to Lauren Swadesir.