Eagles’ hopes dashed

The A Reserves netball team have been knocked out of the semi-finals by the MCUE Goannas. The A Reserves team were the only Eagles side to progress into the finals this year.

“They played really well,” said A Reserves coach Emma Piltz. “It was a very high standard game. The other team were just the best on the day.”

The end result was a relatively close game, with the Eagles finishing up only six goals behind Mangoplah. The final score was MCUE 48 to Narrandera 42.

“The lead changed a couple of times, so they were winning a couple of times,” Mrs Piltz said. “It was a tough battle, and I think nerves might have got to them – and maybe they played their grand final last week.”

The stadium had an excellent turnout for the team’s final game, which was played at home. Mrs Piltz coaches with Georgia Fuller, who operated as assistant coach for this season.

“Georgia and I were very proud of them. There were a couple of easy mistakes and Mangoplah took great advantage of that. Mangoplah played very well, but I think the girls were a bit disappointed that they weren’t able to go any further.”

The A Reserves team are a very young side – the majority of the players are still at high school. Often the players are committed to other sports, or have other commitments.

“We had nine players for the first time all season,” Mrs Piltz said. “Everyone played well; I wouldn’t think of just one who stood out. So they should be very proud of themselves.”

According to Mrs Piltz, A Reserves player Jacinta Smith has been asked to attend the League Vote Count.

“It’s the best and fairest for the league, not for the club. If she’s been asked to go, it generally means that she’s tallied quite high in the league,” Mrs Piltz explained.

It’s the wrap up of the netball season for another year, with representative netball done and the remainder of the Riverina Football-Netball league heading into finals. Even NetSetGO is due to finish up today.

“A few of the A Reserves players are coaches for NetSetGO. The little girls look up to them so much. They’ve been volunteering for an hour or two in the afternoon, which for kids of that age is a big thing to do,” Mrs Piltz said. “They really are the loveliest group of girls.”