At training on Thursday night, the Cats had just four of their walk-up A grade starters available for selection.
Once again, players from lower grades stepped up to the plate to help fill the void.
On Saturday, Elmore took advantage of the understrength LBU outfit storming to a 36-goal victory.
Despite another heavy loss, coach Rylea Cuttriss had plenty of praise for her players who are refusing to give in.
‘‘Everyone is continuing to give it their all for the club,’’ she said.
‘‘We could quite easily roll over in these circumstances and not take to the court.
‘‘It has been a challenging time but we are only going to grow from here.’’
While injuries have derailed the Cats chance of moving up the ladder, they have presented opportunities to players to play at the Heathcote District Netball League’s highest possible level.
Goal defence Ally Todd was one of the latest players to make the step, having only moved up from B grade to A reserve in recent weeks.
But it looked as if Todd had been playing at the level for several years, after a best on court performance.
‘‘Ally just got better as the game got on,’’ Cuttriss said.
‘‘Her defensive efforts were really impressive, she continued to make intercept throughout the game.
‘‘Going forward we’re hoping to see more of her at the level.’’
Breanna Giddings also made the most of her opportunity at wing defence, seeing off three of her Elmore opponents during the match.
‘‘Elmore struggled to play through their wing attack,’’ Cuttriss explained.
‘‘Breanna’s defensive pressure gave us plenty of confidence without the ball.’’
LBU will not be in action next weekend due to a bye which the team is looking forward to according to Cuttriss.
‘‘I think we all need a break away from netball,’’ she said.
‘‘It gives us an opportunity to freshen up our minds and tackle the back half of the season.’’
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