NETBALL
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VIPERS shooter Mel Vardanega believes her side is capable of making the top four of the Orange Toyota Cup this season, and if Saturday’s 30-goal drubbing of Hawks BCC is any indication she’s probably on the money.
One of two new sides in the Orange Netball Association’s top grade in 2015, Vipers led from go to woe in a 52-22 clinic against Hawks BCC at Anzac Park.
The win - the side’s third in the last four rounds - moves the Vipers into the top four for the first time this season, and Vardanega was hopeful her team was gaining the sort of early season momentum that could potentially spring the competition’s unknown outfit even higher up the ladder.
“We’re aiming for the top four ... but it is a close competition this year, it’s a little different, which is good for Orange netball,” Vardanega said.
“Obviously Robin Hood and Life Studio are still the teams to beat, but Hawks (Royals) have shown they’re going to be tough to beat this season as well. It’s great to see.”
Vipers started the year slowly with a 37-30 loss to the Royals, but has since continued to improve and on Saturday put together their best performance of the 2015 season to leap-frog High A into the top four.
Defending premiers Robin Hood accounted for the Orange High girls 44-24 to maintain their undefeated record, while the new-look Life Studio defeated a vastly improved Forefront 52-38 to sit second after five rounds of the 2015 season.
Third-placed Royals defeated KWS 1sts 58-43 in the other Toyota Cup match.
Vardanega said Saturday’s 30-goal triumph was, impressively, all Vipers.
“We’ve started the year slowly because we were behind a bit in training but we started to hit our groove on Saturday,” she said, adding new wing attack Bridie McClure was sensational against Hawks BCC.
“She’s done everything we’ve asked of her and then some, which has been great. She’s fitted in really well.
“And having Teigan Colley on board this year is great. She’s a great addition and when we get her back on the court (from a back injury) she’ll make a huge difference for us.”
