POOR shooting accuracy has cruelled Ballarat Pride’s chances of recording its first Victorian Netball League victory of the season at the State Netball and Hockey Centre last night.
UB Pride had 64 shots on goal for a return of just 53 per cent, as Ballarat was beaten 59-34 by Boroondara Genesis in Championship division.
Genesis, second from last on the championship table, now has two wins from nine matches.
“We had enough shots, but we couldn’t capitalise enough,” Pride coach Daniel Cooke said.
“We moved into a shorter circle after starting taller and it really did work. We were able to move the ball around the circle and into the circle well. We got enough shots but just missed a couple of crucial shots.
“We didn’t get many rebounds at all tonight, maybe just three or four attacking rebounds. We didn’t create as many turnovers tonight, or intercepts either.”
In general play Ballarat performed well for much of the match, Cooke said.
“We were solid and consistent for three quarters. We kept losing each quarter by five, and then in the last quarter lost intensity.
“We did pretty well off the centre pass. We had been struggling with that in the past but tonight we moved the ball around well.”
• BALLARAT’S 19-and-under side has suffered its second defeat of the season, overrun by Boroondara Genesis 49-44.
The Pride development team held a seven-goal lead at half time but faded badly in the second half.
Coach Kerry Lightfoot said the four-day break took its toll on her team against the fifth placed Genesis.
“They were fifth but only on percentage, so they are a good team,” Lightfoot said.
“We struggled to last the distance. Backing up from Saturday night was a challenge. We lost the second half and lost the last quarter.
“(Genesis) was very physical and it took its toll. That was their tactics and they certainly did contest the ball very hard.”
Ballarat’s defensive pressure was good early, but dropped off the longer the game went on.
“We struggled with their shooter, Emma Ryde-Coad, who is a good six foot five,” Lightfoot said.
