IT is not often a coach admits a loss is a good thing but Cherie Horan says Sharks' defeat by Leprechauns 2 three weeks ago did more good than harm in their quest for the 2008 Cairns Netball Association premiership.

The 44-42 loss against Leprechauns 2 in round 10 was Sharks’ first for the season.

Far from being upset the chance of completing an unbeaten season had been lost, Horan said the defeat had refocused and re-energised her players.

"It’s exactly what we needed and I’m glad it happened now and not in the grand final," she said.

"We went down by two goals and you could put it down to a range of things but against Aces the other week there was no taking it easy or cruising, which was pleasing to see.

"We’re playing every team from now on like we’re expecting to play them in the finals."

Horan has even added an extra training session during the week, leaving nothing to chance with three rounds left in the regular season.

One of the first teams to come under Sharks’ end-of-season scrutiny will be Radars when the teams meet tonight
at Martyn Street Reserve.

Radars are well in contention for the top four and Horan expected a match befitting their ladder position. Also tonight, Cougars face the red-hot Leprechauns 2, while Wildcatz clash with Aces.

In other netball news, Australian netball legend Liz Ellis and goal shooter Catherine Cox will be at Martyn Street Reserve tomorrow from 5pm for a coaching clinic.

8 For more information call Kathy Hare on 0419 714 066 or Julie Statton on 0427 446 142.

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