Despite the setbacks though, a 14-goal loss to the Demons was not all bad news for the Timbercutters as the club looks to build up its new-look team.
Hitting the road for a big first round match-up, Mathoura netball co-ordinator Jarrod Thomas said he was happy with how the team performed on the day.
“The game went pretty well,” he said.
“It was our first time on court, and you never quite know where team's are standing in the competition.
“But we were able to start to see some of our set plays come together.”
In what was a physical contest between both teams, the on-court battle left more than a few battle scars.
“We did have one injury, with Georgie McKellar doing her hamstring,” Thomas said.
“She is our GD and one of our standout players on the day until she did her injury in the third quarter.”
Despite the blow, others continued to step up, as Mathoura fought through until the end.
“Jordan Barrett in goals was a standout,” Thomas said.
“And Billi Johns, she's our back up goal shooter, she was very good.”
“It was a fast pace game all day, and the wind did wreck a bit of havoc down one end.”
Mathoura will now turn its attention to its first home game of the season this Saturday, when it hosts Katunga.
With Katunga coming in off a 10-goal loss of their own against Strathmerton, Thomas said his team would go in with the same mindset as they did their first week.
“We won't be changing much,” he said. "We'll have one girl come up from B-grade to cover Georgia.
“But we're looking forward to a good tussle, and a home game always makes a difference.
“We have a good side, so once we get our set plays and game plan into place, come round four and five, we're going to be very competitive.”
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