Victorian Netball League: Southern Saints log back-to-back wins to turn at the halfway mark in good shape

After an injury-cruelled start to the season, Southern Saints have logged back-to-back wins to turn at the halfway mark of the Victorian Netball League season with the beginnings of a smile flickering about its lips.

Jade Heinrich and her Saints have won two on the trot as the season reaches the halfway mark Picture: David Crosling

After an injury-cruelled start to the season, Southern Saints have logged back-to-back wins to turn at the halfway mark of the Victorian Netball League championship division season with the beginnings of a smile flickering about its lips.

The Saints will head for home at 2-6 after a 64-47 win over Sovereigns at the State Netball Hockey Centre on Wednesday night and coach Jade Heinrich said enthusiasm about the place was on the rise.

“Definitely nice to have a couple of wins on the board,” she said. “I wouldn’t say we played amazing netball in both games but it’s nice to get the wins.

“Some of the girls have really started to turn their netball around. All the younger players have had those five or six heavy defeats under their belts.”

Samantha Silvester netted 30 of her 32 attempts (94 per cent) while Emily Wilson had 28-from-35 (80 per cent) to bankroll the win but Heinrich said she couldn’t single any one player out above the rest.

Emily Wilson netted 28 goals this week Picture: David Crosling

“All of them have kind of shown something,” she said. “(Goal defence) Kirsty Clark was one of those players getting really nervous early in the season but is now coming on and playing a role and having an impact.

“All the players have some good patches and that’s what you want rather than relying on one or two players.”

Getting out of the blocks sluggishly has proven costly this season with the Saints often behind the eight ball before too many minutes had ticked away.

On Wednesday night, Saints led 14-8 at quarter-time and weren’t headed from there.

“Early in the season we were getting away to slow starts,” Heinrich said. “It’s always hard to come back from there. You always feel like you are chasing.”

Saints will have Wednesday night off before hosting a big home clash against City West Falcons at Mentone Grammar on Sunday, June 24.

“It’s always nice to have a home game,” Heinrich said. “We train there every Friday night and it’s a very nice facility, really modern.

“Hopefully, we can get some really good support there.”