The Standard |A POSITIVE approach is Warrnambool’s mindset for the remainder of the Hampden league season after it collected its first win on Saturday.
The Blues celebrated a 50-39 victory against Cobden at Reid Oval.
The hard fought triumph ended an 11-game losing streak and elevated the Krystal Day-coached outfit off the bottom of the A grade ladder.
Cobden was relegated to last on percentage.
Warrnambool assistant coach Marlie Boyd said the Blues were elated with the result.
“It was such a good feeling,” she said.
“We’ve wanted it for so long and the girls stood up.
“We haven’t been able to train as a full side because of other commitments on Thursday nights but the last few weeks we’ve trained and had set stuff (prepared) and gotten to know one another on court.”
Warrnambool made an emphatic start, racing to a 14-6 quarter-time lead.
The Blues kept the Bombers at bay from that point on.
Boyd teamed with teenager Alana Johnstone in the goal ring with strong results.
Johnstone sunk 38 goals in an impressive display.
Boyd, who returned to the Blues in the off-season after a stint at Dennington, said they were now teaming well as an attacking combination.
But Boyd said the catalysts for the Blues’ attacking fluidity was up the court.
“Sarah O’Keeffe played an amazing game like she always does in goal defence and wing defence Alyssa Johnstone (was good),” she said.
Boyd said Warrnambool opted to keep a settled line-up against Cobden.
“Everyone was positive and encouraging one another,” she said.
“We now know how each other plays and it’s working a lot better.”
Warrnambool’s aim for the next six rounds is simple – improve.
The Blues play Portland – a team it pushed in round four – at Hanlon Park on Saturday.
“We’ll take it week-by-week and try and stay working as team and be positive,” Boyd said.
“Now we have the first win we want to strive for more.”
Boyd praised Day, in her first season at the helm, for her efforts in a tough season.
“Krystal as coach has been incredible,” she said.
Cobden goal attack Molly Hutt sunk 26 goals for the Bombers.
Jessica Rohan, Sophie Blain and Helene Myers were their best performers.
Cobden plays Terang Mortlake on Saturday.
The Bloods are sitting third - one of three sides with a 7-5 win-loss record.
Camperdown and South Warrnambool are also vying for the double-chance come finals.
Reigning premier Koroit and Portland both have 6-6 ledgers and are in a fight for a top five finish.