Positive outlook: Echuca United coach Tanner Edwards remained positive following her side’s loss to Rumbalara at the weekend, with the Eagles showing improvement week on week as they continue to build into the season. Photos: Aidan Briggs
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Aidan Briggs
Echuca United endured a tough day on court against a strong Rumbalara outfit at the weekend, going down 32-64 at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
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But despite the loss, coach Tanner Edwards was optimistic about what her girls had to offer in the second half, although she admitted a slow start cost them dearly.
“Definitely not (the result we wanted), Rumbalara are obviously a really high-quality side, so we knew coming in that it was going to be a tough match for us right from the start,” she said.
“In saying that, overall we had a pretty slow first half of our game which unfortunately put us on the back pedal to begin with, so we kind of didn't switch on I guess until that second or third quarter.
“So it was a bit of a slow start and a half, and then I was really happy with the girls in that second half, but unfortunately we just can't afford to have a slow start, especially against a quality side.”
Well played: Emily Cossar drew praise from her coach for her work rate in the mid-court.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
There were plenty of positives for Edwards to pick out, however, with her defensive third of the court impressing under pressure, while tireless work from a mid-court star also earned plenty of praise.
"I think defensively the girls in goal defence and goalkeeper, so Tessa Bruni and Amy Sherlock, did a great job, and had fourth-quarter consistent efforts throughout the game, so really, really proud of them,” Edwards said.
“And the work rate of Em Cossar in the wing attack position, all game she was really a standout as well.”
Tough day out: Maddison McInnes keeps possession during the Eagles’ loss to Rumbalara.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
While the side remains winless from four games, having drawn with Cobram last week, Edwards is upbeat about her side’s prospects moving forward, noting that the Eagles have faced a fairly tricky schedule to open the year.
“Obviously we've had a bit of a tough run with our first four rounds, we've come up against all of the top-quality sides,” she said.
“In saying that I know the girls are always up for a challenge, and I know each week that we are building, and we are hoping to eventually after the bye get a few girls back from injury.
Searching: Alannah Weeks looks for an option to pass.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“I'm really proud of the girls and their resilience at the moment, we're just trying to do what we can, but we are building every week and continuing to grow, and the girls are doing exactly what I ask of them, so I can't ask for anything else.”
The Eagles will continue to train with the bye this week, albeit with a slightly easier program, before coming up against another 2023 finalist in Mulwala when they return from the break.
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