She might have felt a little rusty but Abbie Merritt proved she hasn't lost her touch when helping Fusion Fire start the Rawson Homes Premiership season with a win on Saturday.
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Formerly one of the best attacking players in Dubbo, Merritt had spent close to two years away from the netball court and was last year playing basketball with the Dubbo Rams.
But she's made a return for the 2020 season and despite the rain falling at the Nita McGrath Courts on Saturday play went ahead and Merritt's Fusion Fire started its campaign with a commanding 61-15 win over St Diamonds.
"I'll be honest, I felt a bit rusty and it was different shooting with no backboard," Merritt said.
"I started at goal-shooter and then went to goal-attack and it was good to be back.
"I haven't played in a year-and-a-half so I was surprised I didn't start bouncing the ball. But I know I'll enjoy the season and I enjoyed it as much as I did before."
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After plenty of netball during her junior career Merritt had opted to take a break and enjoyed the chance to try basketball but the Rams' season being cancelled for 2020 helped her decide to have another crack in the Rawson Home Premiership.
The rain played a part in Saturday's first round as the pace of all games was slowed right down.
Only two of the A grade matches went ahead after Rhinos Rebels forfeited to three-time defending champions Fusion Heat while the Narromine-Macquarie fixture was also cancelled.
The two games which were played featured little free-flowing attack but Fire still impressed and created plenty of shooting opportunities.
"It was such a slow paced game," Merritt said.
"We played really well. There's a few new players who I've never played with before but once we get those combinations we'll be right.
"It's a young side but I'm looking forward to the season."
Fusion Fire finished the 2019 regular season in second place but was bounced out in the semi-finals.
Merritt believes the 2020 team is one that could make a real impact and potentially take that next step.
"I'd like to hope so," she said.
"There's so many young players who stand out in defence and in the middle.
"We all want the same thing and we all want to be in the grand final and win it."
The other A Grade match on Saturday resulted in a narrow 38-30 win for Inspire Panthers over St Comebacks.
In round two Fusion Fire will meet the Macquarie Hornets, while Fusion Heat takes on the Narromine Hawks, St Diamonds does battle with Inspire Panthers, and Rhinos Rebels play St Comebacks.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
