Netball
22 April, 2024
Laharum netballers victorious in annual Michele Mibus Memorial Round
The Laharum senior netballers defeated Kalkee by 20 goals in their annual Michele Mibus Memorial Round clash.
The round is named in honour of Michele Mibus, a club stalwart for Laharum. The round has been going on since 2016 after Michelle passed away and is always hotly contested between the two clubs with a plaque awarded at the end of the game and a medal to the best player on the court.
The medal went to Maddison Iredell following a powerful display up forward with 31 goals.
Coach Rebecca McIntyre said it's an honour to play in the game as it's a legacy for the family.
"To keep the Michele Mibus plaque in Laharum's hand is good to see and to see Maddi win the medal is even better," McIntyre said.
"Maddi had a good game and shot beautifully. She hasn't won it before and she grew up with Michele and Michele coached her so she was chuffed and honoured after the game."
Caitlin Story chipped in with 26 goals in the 57-37 win whilst Jenna Bywaters continued her brilliant start to the season for Kalkee with another 17 goals.
McIntyre is impressed with Keely Elliott in defence.
"Keely is getting an opportunity that juniors haven't had with our team and she is taking it with both hands," McIntyre said.
"She is playing different roles and down back she is doing well. I alternated with her on the weekend in the GK position as it was my first game back."
After missing round one, this was the first time McIntyre was able to use the rolling subs and said it was a godsend and she can utilise them well to work to their strengths.
"As I coach I think I used that effectively. It was a hot day so we had to use them and we made some good changes and being able to swap Keely out for me and vice versa helped," McIntyre said.
"Ashlea Bylsma came up from B Grade and was effective and impacted the game and I thought the subs worked seamlessly yesterday.
"You need to make sure you can make changes that don't affect momentum and we will get better at that the more we get used to it."
Despite having two good wins to start the year, McIntyre said there is a lot of room for improvement.
"I am happy with how we are sitting, but at the start of the season there are always things you need to work on," McIntyre said.
"The good thing that is working in our favour at the moment is having elite athletes in Maddison and Emalie Iredell at both ends of the court.
"They have a good cardio capacity and we need to keep up with them which pushes us a bit more."