HUME City Falcons were outclassed by Boroondara Genesis in the Victorian Netball League (VNL), losing 52-36 in the Championship Division top of the table clash on Wednesday.
The undermanned Altona-based Falcons were never within reach of the undefeated Genesis and went into half-time confronting a 12-point deficit.
The back-to-back reigning champions were without Casey Price, who is out with an ankle injury, and Tegan Caldwell, who is away with the Melbourne Vixens in the ANZ Championship.
Coach Marg Lind said she did not anticipate a win but would have liked her team to be closer to its more-fancied opponent.
“I wouldn’t have expected to get the win but I certainly would have been happier if we got it (the margin) under 10,” Lind said.
“In saying that, some of our newer (and) younger players are doing quite well and actually stepping up, which is good.”
The Falcons lost the second half by only four points but after being so heavily outplayed in the first, they never troubled Genesis.
Lind believed her team was outplayed throughout the encounter and said Genesis was the team to beat this season.
“They have got experience in all positions really. They don’t really have a weak link,” Lind said.
“They’ll definitely be the measure this year.”
Young gun Maggie Lind was again impressive, while Nicole Richardson and Jacinta Todd also had solid games.
Boroondara shooting sister duo Kathleen (30 goals) and Julia Knott (20) were sharp in the attacking half, scoring at close to 85 per cent of the time.
“They got the ball close to the post. The margin for error was small for them. They really took their time and had good routine on their shot,” Lind said.
Lind expects to have Price back for the round seven game against Peninsula Waves on 27 April.
There is now a two-week break for the Australian Netball Championships with the Falcons looking to work their way back into the top two after dropping out on the back of the loss.
