Allansford after a consistent effort against WDFNL ladder-leader

The 10th-placed Cats put on a scintillating first-half display against finals-contender South Rovers, but fell away in the second half to lose 51-27 on Saturday.

South Rovers led by four goals at the main break but shot 30 goals to the Cats' 10 in the second half.

Foster, who was also impressed by her team's opening half against Dennington the previous week, said she wanted it to stay in the game longer when it hosts reigning premier Nirranda on Saturday.

"They've proven they can be competitive but just not for long enough," she said.

The new coach said the focus was on committing to the game plan for 60 minutes.

Foster is leading a young group at the Cattery.

More than half her team is 20 years old or younger, with three players over 25.

"We make basic errors when when we're tired," Foster said of the second half fade-outs.

But she said her Cats were not afraid to take to take it up to the best in the A grade competition.

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Allansford, which has one win from seven matches this season, is developing in numerous ways.

"They know when to run a fast game and when to run a slow game," she said.

Allansford, which has conceded 391 goals from seven matches this season, is also working on its defensive game.

Foster has been working with young defenders Josie Allen and Zoe Hutchinson, who are new to the top grade.

She said her instructions were to anticipate the play more and not shadow attacking players as much.

The Cats mentor said the aim was to force an opposition to change the way it approaches the net.

But overall, Foster hasn't "tried to drum in too much" with her promising young team.

Allansford lost of a host of experienced players during the off-season including Donna Chatfield (East Warrnambool), Tanaya Harradine (Merrivale), Merinda Ugle-Hagan (East Warrnambool) and Lena Wright.

The changes allowed for teenagers Josie Allen and Emma Stacey to step up from A reserve.

Prior to the season, Foster identified them as her players to watch.

Allen, who has taken on the captaincy, has played a mix of goal defence, goal keeper and goal shooter.

Foster said the youngster was growing in her role as skipper and becoming more vocal around the group.

Stacey, another versatile netballer, has also been playing at both ends of the court.

Foster has likewise been impressed by recruit Georgia Martin who has been playing centre and wing defence.

Allansford plays top-of-the-table Nirranda on Saturday, hoping to secure its second win.

Nirranda is after its seventh win and is in hot form around the ring, after netting 81 goals against East Warrnambool.

Foster, who has also been playing A reserve, said she was enjoyed her first year as sole coach of the A grade team.

"It's pretty daunting sometimes," she said.

"But when you have a good support crew, it's a lot easier."

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