Randwick walked away with the three competition points, and Hobbs pointed to just a “handful of minutes” where United lost control of the match as the catalyst for the eventual 46-43 defeat.

“The girls looked really good for the majority of the game, and we had the lead at half time, but there were just a few minutes where we lost control,” she said.

Despite the defeat, Hobbs believes United are in a strong position heading into the second round of fixtures for the season, especially with the return of key defender Angela Williams.

“A lot of the girls have been playing with small injuries and niggles for the early games,” Hobbs explained. “We’re focusing on fitness and getting players on the court for full matches.”

“Angela [Williams] got onto the court for a quarter and that’s really important. We have a bye next week and that should mean we can get her onto the court for the full match next time.”

Hobbs also praised the team for their “stamina and courage” in the opening rounds.

“A lot of these girls play through pain, and I have so much respect for the stamina and courage they bring week in, week out,” she said.

In the third division, the Diamonds fell 41-58 against Liverpool City, falling six points behind seventh place.

The Diamonds face Sutherland after the upcoming bye week, while the Emeralds will play against table-topping St George.