A DESIRE to "reward the team's hard work" and help them work toward snapping a premiership drought has convinced Coolamon coach Claudia Barton to recommit to another Riverina League netball season in 2020.
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Defender Barton, who joined the Hoppers this year after three seasons with Farrer League's Northern Jets, has guided Coolamon to finals and wants to help them break a premiership drought spanning almost two decades.
Coolamon pressed Collingullie-Glenfield Park for the first half of their clash on Sunday, but the ladder-leading Demons pulled away after the break to win 41-25.
With two regular season rounds left, the Hoppers are guaranteed to finish in fourth or fifth spot and will take on Griffith in the elimination final.
The Demons only need to beat Turvey Park this Saturday to seal the minor premiership, with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes to clash with defending premiers Wagga Tigers in the major semi.
Barton said the commitment of the squad since taking over made it an easy decision to continue as coach.
"I think it's the potential more than anything," she said.
"Knowing what the club is like and they're willing to put in so much effort, I think that needs to be rewarded and I'd love to be here and see what they're capable of.
"We're sitting in fourth at the moment and compared to previous years it's a massive achievement, the girls are really proud of themselves.
"That (trying to win a premiership) is part of it and the girls are the same, every single one is just as competitive as I am so that makes it easier."
The Hoppers finish the regular season against Wagga Tigers and Leeton-Whitton before the finals campaign begins against Griffith.
They have split their matches this year against the Swans, who have hit form in the back end of the year.
"The first game (against Griffith) was pretty dismal and our second game was a lot better, but we had to fight for the win," Barton said.
"We know they're a team that's never going to give up so we have to keep our foot on the pedal and power through.
"Between Mango (MCUE) and Gullie it will be a really tough battle, but that being said I don't think we'll look out of place if we get there (grand final) as well."
In other matches on the weekend the Tigers were too classy for Turvey Park 55-13, MCUE thrashed Narrandera 82-36 and Griffth ended Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's finals hopes with a 52-35 win.
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