The apprentice Cats are now learning some tough lessons

A tough start to the season has seen LBU face off against last season’s grand finalists in White Hills and Colbinabbin.

And in both fixtures, the gap between the two sides has well and truly been on display.

On Good Friday, the Cats fell by 36 goals against Colbinabbin, but it was a step forward rather than two steps back according to coach Kerrie Taylor.

‘‘I’m pleased with the girls handled themselves,’’ she said.

‘‘Not once did they drop their head despite things going against us.

‘‘It’s just another learning curve for us.

‘‘We can go away and work on the things that we struggled with.’’

At the defensive end of the court, Hannah Sidebottom impressed after her strong A reserve form was rewarded with an A grade call up.

She was well supported by the consistent Rebecca Eade, as the new look pair continued to grow as time went on.

‘‘Hannah carried her form into this game,’’ Taylor said.

‘‘There is no doubts that she can be a strong performer at this level.

‘‘If Hannah and Bec can develop a strong partnership, teams won’t find easy avenues to goal.’’

In the opening round against White Hills, the Cats fell down at midcourt far too often, causing problems for defenders.

But two weeks on they have drastically improved that area of their game.

‘‘We’ve started to take a lot more care of the ball,’’ Taylor said.

‘‘The girls have started to understand each other’s game and you can tell.

‘‘No one is panicking when they do get trapped.’’

Taylor will want to see that improvement continue when LBU host a Huntly side who are looking for their first win of the season.

‘‘Despite two heavy losses our confidence is still up,’’ she said.

‘‘If we can capitalise on their turnovers it will go a long way to winning.’’