Encouraging signs at Menz Fruchoc Cougars have fuelled the club's hopes of making its Dairy Vale League first finals appearance. A berth in the final four would be a big achievement for this relatively new club which has slowly rebuilt after the amalgamation of Southside and Colonel Light Gardens in the early 1990s, rising to fifth position last year.

Team captain Cheryl Webb says the Cougars were disappointed at dropping their first match to Matrics. After that, we really did get it together and things have just been going on an upward scale," Webb says. Goal attack Fiona Huppatz has made a large contribution to the team's rising fortunes. "She's been shooting remarkably well, probably in the high 85s to 90s each match," Webb says. "In previous years, we haven't had that sort of accuracy. She's a real focal point in the goal circle, she's got the experience, and she's a good leader in that area."

Menz Fruchoc Cougars' two imports, goal shooter Marnie Vidovich from Western Australia and wing attack Fiona Doran from Tasmania, have energised the attack zone, working in well together. Vidovich is a willing learner, Webb says, "like a sponge". Doran has a wealth of knowledge gleaned over two years at the Australian Institute of Sport, an excellent pass into the goalies and fine ability at reading the play. Hard-working teenager Sally Nunan, at centre, was Commonwealth Bank/Channel 10 Rookie of the Year in the SA Netball Association last year, got off to a good start this season, and continues to develop. Her speed is a big asset. Webb, who played her 150th game for

Cougars recently, has led the side for four years. As captain, she aims to provide a steadying influence. "Wing defence isn't a showy position, but I like to lead by example. When the team needs someone to do something inspirational I always try and put my hand up," Webb says. "I try and talk a lot on court and encourage." In contrast, Heather Noblett at goal defence is a quiet achiever. "She gets lots of touches and she's got the biggest heart," Webb says: "She'll always put in 150 per cent, you cart always rely on her," Amanda "Ned" Kelly adds height and experience to Cougars' defence. "She's developed her game, worked on her positioning and in the last couple of years she's really come of age," Webb says. "She's an excellent vice captain, she has good leadership values and is voca1 on court, always encouraging," Versatile fringe player Gemma Willis has returned from injury, while the loss of teenager Tracey Rivett, who has just undergone her second knee reconstruction, leaves the Cougars with a gap to fill.

The Cougars' coach of four years, Jackie Blyth, elicits a good response from her players and draws the best from her team. "Jackie is really good," Webb says. "If we have a problem during a match, she'll work out a drill to fix the problem, she's very inventive like that," And, Oakdale champion Marlene Elliott has also been out and working with the goalies.

The club has a lot to look forward to, Webb believes. Its players are young. The side has versatility and speed around the court, plus the touch of experience it needs. And there is plenty of support from the sidelines.

"Cougars is quite a big club," Webb says. "You go out there on Saturday and you can see a lot of green and blue around. I think the juniors are coming up, if can hold onto those girls, I think we can be quite successful,"

For several seasons, Cougars have also enjoyed the benefit of specialist communications training with consultant Pam Mitchell, designed among other things to improve their concentration and build a sense of trust. Webb believes the efforts to bond the players and build a team spirit are paying off.

One of Cougars' biggest strengths is the players' ability to function as a unit. "We all strive for the same thing," Webb says. "We all want to win and we all want to get into the four. We're getting there, I think it's just believing in ourselves. We're getting there, and it's quite exciting."

Felicity Arthur.