IT'S been a mixed start to the season for CSU Hawkes in Bathurst Netball Association A grade but the relatively new side are still holding their heads high.
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The team couldn't make it two wins in a row on Saturday, going down 48-32 to give their opponents Scots All Saints College their first on-court win of the season.
Hawkes showed promise in the previous weekend's 46-39 win over Mana and the team are determined to keep the wins coming in this year's expanded A grade competition.
The university failed to field a side after initially nominating to play in the 2018 A grade competition.
This year's A grade coach Marnie Whytcross believes the future's looking brighter for the club as they work towards building a cohesive squad.
"We've got five teams this year ranging from C grade to A grade," she said.
"We lost of few of our older players and have had a couple of new ones come in. We're just rebuilding the club.
"It's coming along well. We train twice a week and because we've got a lot of new players and combination we're trying to look for what works best and building connections."
Scots All Saints College were hungry to get back on the court after missing out on game time the previous Saturday due to Panthers Toshacks' forfeit.
It showed in the opening quarter as the team began to assert dominance over the Hawkes.
CSU started to up their game with every quarter but they had far too much ground to make up.
"Our first quarter wasn't the best. We didn't convert many goals and we were flat on court," Whytcross said.
"I think they did well considering the circumstances. We managed to bring it back but couldn't get the win.
"I think the biggest factor is that I'm trying different combinations and it's just about working on the simple things.
"There's good signs there and there's a lot of talent and potential."
Hawkes face a big test next round against Bulldogs Verdelho.
In the day's other games Collegians Mystified extended their winning run (across all seasons) to seven matches with a 57-26 win over Panthers Mustangs.
Offence was red hot for Panthers A Grade in their high scoring 79-43 win against Mana.
Bulldogs Verdelho, like Mystified and Panthers A, remain unbeaten this season after their 59-24 win against Panthers Toshacks.
Panthers Agriwest bounced back from their narrow defeat to Verdelho last round by taking down Bulldogs Hurricanes 55-37 and picking up their first win of the year.
Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
