ANOTHER close game for Portland’s Open side against Terang-Mortlake in the Hampden Netball League has given them confidence heading into the annual Anzac Day clash against Hamilton on Thursday.

While it was a 50-48 loss for the Tigers, there were plenty of positives to take out of the game with their ability to win ball and adapt to some injuries in pivotal moments some key takeaways.

Portland came out firing in the first term, capitalising on turnover ball and their centre passes to earn an 18-13 lead at the end of the quarter.

Despite the strong start, consistency across the four quarters was again a tough point for the Tigers who let Terang-Mortlake back into the game in the second term to move into the lead, 28-27.

The game remained tight for the second half, with both the ebbs and flows seeing Terang-Mortlake withstand the pressure better than the Tigers to claim the two-goal win.

With injuries to defender Brianna Malcolm and shooter Heidi Jones at different points throughout the match, Portland was forced to adjust its line-up.

Despite the changes, Portland still remained in the contest with Kelly saying it came down to being able to push through those pressure moments.

“We were disappointed obviously with the loss, it would have been good to come away with the win after a draw in the first game,” she said.

“The pressure set in a bit in the last quarter and our use of the ball wasn’t as effective as it could have been.

“It was a really good game though and good to play out those close ones so hopefully next time we can get a different result.

“Compared to last year it’s been a good start and we’re not out there getting beaten by a lot every week but now to get a win on the board would be nice.”

Portland will be pushing for just that on Thursday when they take on Hamilton in the annual Anzac Day clash, despite missing the services of consistent midcourt leader and captain Remy Grant.

Scheduled for a 4.20pm start the Tigers will be on the hunt to secure its first win for the season against a Kangaroos line up that has had a tough start to the year.

“It’s always such a big match on Anzac Day so we’ll be striving for that win and have a big training on Tuesday to get prepared,” Kelly said.

“Rem will be a big out for us but Tonaya (Bannam) and Lexi (Purcell) are back in, and Millie Ferguson has already proven to be so versatile for us so they’ll be ready to go.

“I remember playing on the Anzac Day match even as a junior and it was such a special day, the whole occasion of it felt really important.

“With the public holiday and home game too hopefully, we can get a good crowd down there for a bit of support and push for that first win.”

Other games

In the other Open clashes in the Hampden Netball League South Warrnambool continued its dominance over the competition with a resounding 71-22 win against Hamilton.

While the Roosters sit as clear favourites at the top of the ladder, there were some close encounters across Saturday with Cobden defeating Warrnambool by just eight goals, 52-44.

Koroit also had a solid showing, defeating Camperdown 52-41, despite a solid second half performance from the Magpies, while North Warrnambool Eagles took care of Port Fairy, 69-47.

Minor grades

Portland’s division one side secured its first win of the season with a 42-37 win against Terang-Mortlake.

Despite trailing by four goals at half time, Portland found another gear in the fourth quarter, forcing plenty of turnovers to take a four-goal lead into the final term.

The Tigers managed to execute enough on their centre passes to keep the lead and secure the four points.

Portland only just held on in its division two game to win, 29-28.

The Tigers led by six goals heading into the last quarter and held off a late surge from Terang-Mortlake to win.

In division three Portland went down, 39-26 while the 17-and-under side also suffered a loss, 55-42.

The 15-and-under side lost, 28-18 while the 15-and-under reserves were defeated by 10 goals, 26-16.

Portland’s youngest junior side, the 13-and-under team, had a resounding win against Terang-Mortlake claiming a 23-2 victory.