Despite coach Rohan Starkey labelling the game as his side’s ‘‘best performance of the season’’, the Timbercutters fell by five goals to last season’s grand finalist Tocumwal.
Throughout the week, Starkey stressed his side needed a fast start and they accepted his challenge in a first half littered with turnovers.
‘‘The team who converted their opportunities from turnovers was always going to win the game,’’ he said.
‘‘Our intensity was really impressive from the first whistle.’’
Unfortunately for the Timbercutters, it was the visitors who made the most of their chances in the ring in the second half — although Starkey couldn’t have been prouder of his side’s output.
‘‘Even though the scoreboard wasn’t in our favour it doesn’t feel like a loss,’’ he said.
‘‘Going into the game we knew it was going to be tough but we stuck to our task for four quarters.
‘‘Pushing a top team is a sign of the direction our team is building towards.’’
Mathoura’s performance started at the defensive end as Janelle Handy (GK), Shannon Mills (GD) and Liv Brownfield (WD) left their mark on the contest with outstanding displays.
‘‘As a trio they were relentless and won plenty of the ball back for our attackers,’’ Starkey explained.
‘‘Janelle’s height and her ability to read the game so well caused havoc for their shooters.
‘‘Liv’s pressure around the circle and her drive through the mid court was first class.’’
Next up for the Timbercutters is a trip to take on Waaia — and victory is a must if they want to keep their finals hopes alive.
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