For the second straight week — and the third time this season — the Bulldogs proved far too good for the Hoppers, winning 57-37 after making a string of changes in the final quarter to give the bench options a chance to take to the court.
The fifth-ranked Bulldogs were unlucky to miss the top four, but had no trouble earning a place in the league’s final six teams with the big win, and coach Caitlyn Price was satisfied with the business-like effort.
‘‘It was good to have everyone back in the team. We just played a really strong first three quarters and got a really good lead,’’ she said.
‘‘We had a really good lead by half-time, up by 17 goals, and we were able to increase that in the third quarter.
‘‘We’d pushed really hard and we made a few changes, it was great we were able to use everyone, we got the opportunity to get everyone on the court.’’
While the 20-goal margin illustrates total domination, Price said a few particular areas had stood out.
‘‘Everything worked well, our goalers were on, there were a few turnovers from our defence and we moved the ball really well down the court with some good passes. In the end the goalers were able to capitalise,’’ she said.
The Bulldogs have a week off before facing the loser of the Tocumwal-Deniliquin Rovers qualifying final; while that looms as a challenging hurdle, it will be one the Dogs have already cleared this season, having a win against each.
‘‘It’s going to be a tough game, we don’t expect to win with a margin like Saturday,’’ Price said.
‘‘We’ve got to worry about our own games, we’ll face whoever loses knowing we have beaten them this season.
‘‘It’s a new game though, finals is a whole new thing and we’re into the tough part of the season.’’
Final score: Strathmerton 57 d Rennie 37
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