After quarter-time, the Blues managed to make Saturday’s game a tight contest, but the Bulldogs proved too strong throughout to secure the win 10.16 (76) to 8.7 (55).
After an average first half, the Blues scored five unanswered goals in the final quarter to make the scoreboard look respectable.
Blake Azzopardi kicked four goals and joined Fraser Monahan, Logan Daniel, Benjamin Turpin, Tanner Smith and Blake Jorgensen as the Blues’ best.
Player-coach Rhys Woodland praised the team for its late fightback but said the players had much to learn.
He pointed to injuries to several key players as one reason the side may not have played up to standard.
“It was good to see our boys fight back. I think it was five goals to none in the last quarter, so it was good to finish the game off strong,” he said.
“We just need to stay in the game a little longer in the middle couple of quarters.
“There’s still plenty to learn from that game, and we’ve got a few coming back from injuries, so we were a little bit depleted to a degree.”
Woodland highlighted key areas where his players could improve, and he believed they would as the team built chemistry throughout the year
“We need to work on nullifying the opposition’s run and spread to regain momentum when playing those stronger sides,” he said.
“We’ll back ourselves next time we play them because it was a competitive game. We have a very new side, so we are still trying to gel as a team. The more the year goes on, the better we will play.”
“If we get these senior players back from injury, we will be able to get a bit more leadership on the field, which will help us a lot.”
Woodland named a few key players who had been playing consistently well at the start of the year, shouting out young guns Daniel and Ashton Commodore, the latter of whom played his first game of senior football.
“Ashton Commodore played his first game of seniors and he was really good,” he said.
“Logan Daniel, who has just come out of under-17s, played a good game, and Fraser Monaghan down back was excellent.
“Benny Turpin is having a great start to the year. He once again proved key for us. He has been in the best every week.”
Regardless of the loss, Picola United had reason to celebrate as club president Clinton Barnes played his 350th senior game.
Woodland said the vibe around the team was still high and it was confident it would begin making a push to finals.
“We are still pretty confident we have a good list,” he said.
“We just have to settle down with the new guys and refine our game plan.
“Once we get our senior guys back, we’ll be good to go and start stringing a few wins together.”
Picola United will play seventh-placed Katamatite in round five.
The Game
Scores
Picola United: 0.2, 3.4, 3.5, 8.7 (55)
Strathmerton: 4.5, 6.10, 10.15, 10.16 (76)
Goals
Picola United: B. Azzopardi 4, A. Morgan, B. Jorgensen, R. Knight, C. Haub
Strathmerton: A. Crestani 4, T. Looby 4, J. Crestani, T. Stephens
Best
Picola United: F. Monahan, B. Azzopardi, L. Daniel, B. Turpin, T. Smith, B. Jorgensen
Strathmerton: T. Stephens, S. Lewis, D. Holding, M. Payne, D. Robinson, M. Ryan
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Picola United’s A-grade netball side could not convert a strong start into a win when it fell to Strathmerton 23-47 on Saturday.
Scores were level heading into the second quarter when second-placed Strathmerton capitalised on a rattled Blues’ side.
Picola United rallied to mount a comeback in the second half, but was unable to catch Strathmerton, who looked too consistent across the game.
Coach Annie Jorgensen praised Picola’s strong start and its big second half push which unfortunately didn’t get it over the line.
“We had a super strong start, particularly by our attackers. Unfortunately, Strathy capitalised in the second quarter,” she said.
“Our second half was strong, with some clean and dynamic connections through the court.
“Unfortunately, Strathy’s lead couldn’t be caught despite a strong and versatile display.”
Jorgensen highlighted two key players who stood up during the game on the attacking end and kept Picola in the hunt throughout the contest.
“Megan Hansen, our goal attack, stood out this week. She played her best game with great, accurate shooting and clean entries into the ring. She was super dynamic throughout the game,” she said.
“Alyx Jorgensen also played a strong, hard-fought game in wing attack, receiving pressure all day.
“Our team created space and moved the ball well through the court yesterday and our attack end moved well. The connection between them early on was great to watch.”
Picola United will look to get back on track when it chases its second win of the young season against last-placed Yarroweyah next week.
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