“If there was any complacency, it’s gone”.
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Losing the Orange Netball Association Toyota Cup major semi-final has turned out to be huge positive for Orange City, the side’s coach Cindy Gilchrist says.
She put that loss down to “a bad day” combined with an excellent showing from Hawks Royal, and she’s confident her troops will use the hunger born from that loss to turn the result around in Saturday’s grand final rematch.
“I knew [Hawks] were hitting their straps and I think we were caught off guard, we were frazzled,” Gilchrist said.
“What we pride ourselves on is control, and we didn’t have that control in the major semi-final.
“Everyone had a bit of an off-game, and did it all at the same time. We went into the last quarter with a lead and not being able to maintain it, it just doesn’t happen very often.
“We just lost it for one quarter, which was disappointing. I’m sure we’ll regain that composure.
“I think it’s good for us though, it’s made everyone hungry. If there was any complacency, it’s gone.
“What happened that weekend won’t happen again”.
Of course, Gilchrist and her side know the grand final will be a different kettle of fish compared to the major semi-final.
They’re still confident though, they deserve to be after winning nine titles in a row.
“We’re confident because we’ve felt this before, but every grand final brings it’s own nerves and we all hope it falls our way,” she said.
“We beat Hawks by [24] goals the last time we played them before the [major semi-final, so we have to remember that we do have it in us.
“The preparation’s been awesome too.”
Saturday’s grand final kicks off at 3.15pm, on Sir Neville Howse Stadium’s show court.
- ORANGE CITY LIONS: Sarah Thorley, Tegan Dray, Kristy Sullivan, Erin Johnstone, Kristin Zinga, Caitlyn Harvey, Sammie Spicer, Lauren Williams, Cheynoah Merchant, Milly Wilcox. Coach: Cindy Gilchrist
- HAWKS ROYAL: Amanda Hurford, Kirstin McIntyre, Alice Maier, Amanda Jones, Gabrielle Simmons, Tash Rudd, Erin Naden, Elise Woods, Annalise Maier, Taylah Duncan, Danielle Turner, Kellie Watson. Coach: Amanda Hurford, Marion Rouse