Netball
22 April, 2024
Panthers pounce on Tigers
Rupanyup senior netballers have started their season off with a win, defeating Pimpinio by 29 goals at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Zenaiya Bergen was a star up forward with 47 goals whilst Jedda Heard was a standout down back with Jayde Ellis and Lana Ellis restricted to 16 and 10 goals respectively.
Heard in her first game as a senior coach was ecstatic and said the entire team played well.
"I thought we played pretty well considering we haven't played together before," Heard said.
"There is a lot we need to work on still but I am excited to see how much we can improve over the coming weeks."
When asked what she loved and what they needed to improve on Heard highlighted defence.
"I liked how we flowed from one end to another and we had a good connection down the court but when we had a little bit of pressure by the defenders we got a little bit stuck," Heard said.
"We struggled a bit to get out of defence at times and the connection between wing attack, centre and shooters to get the ball in there quickly was a bit slow.
"We will work on that and we can only get better."
Heard said everyone played well but highlighted Anna Sudholz and Zanaiya Bergen as standouts.
"Anna got a lot of nice intercepts and helped take the ball down the court and was nice coming out of defence, whilst Zanaiya was just brilliant up forward," she said.
For Pimpinio, they have started the season 0-2, but it's not all panic stations for the Tigers as coach Jayde Ellis said they have played two of the better sides of the competition to open their season.
"We have played what will probably be the two top teams for the season so it has been a good learning curve for us to see what we need to work on against these good teams," Ellis said.
"We have a few key things we can take away from each game and try and tidy up a few small things and hopefully put that into practice and see how we go."
Ellis is impressed with how quickly Holly Ross and Steph Runciman have gelled down back.
"They have gelled together well. They have never played netball together before but they are standing out and seem to know where each other is and have that good ability to play together and it's exciting to watch," Ellis said.
Taylors Lake secure first win
Taylors Lake had a solid seven-goal win over Natimuk at Natimuk Showgrounds. Tayla Eltze and Harriet Overman were great up forward with 16 and 15 goals respectively with Ella Hogan and Chloe Kelm solid in defence.
Simone Skratek and Emily Hately were the best players for the Rams with Danielle Hanson leading the way with 12 goals.
Lakers coach Lydia Schneider said it was a solid win.
"It was a great win and the girls can hold their heads up high," Schneider said.
"It was a hot day and it was good to try a few different combinations and to have Harriet return to the A Grade side was great and Danielle Laurie was great on debut."
Despite the win, Schneider said she wants to see them play four quarters of netball.
"I want the girls to play at their full potential against anyone they come up against," Schneider said.
"Natimuk are a great team, but I would have liked to have seen a bigger performance from the girls and pushed that win out bigger.
"If we can get that consistency throughout four quarters and play to our potential, it will put us in good stead for the rest of the season."
Schneider pointed out Kayla Kelm as having a great start to the year.
"Kayla is a powerhouse and played the entire game in the centre," Schneider said.
"She just continues to run and then is just as strong in defence. I'd hate to play against her as she is a tough opponent."
Swifts bounce back with victory
Following a round-one loss to Kalkee, the Swifts bounced back to defeat Kaniva Leeor by eight goals.
Rebbekkah Seeary was great in attack with 29 goals with Michaela Armer also scoring 20 for the Swifts.
Brooke Palfreyman was best on the court in defence with Isabella Robson also firing through the centre for the Swifts.
Blair Burke scored 23 for the Cougars with Nikki Hawker chipping in with 17. Young teenager Ruby Gordon was solid again in defence.
Bombers remain unbeaten
Tipped as one of the top teams of the competition this year, Noradjuha Quantong easily disposed of reigning premiers, Edenhope Apsley.
Shannon Couch was terrific in attack again leading the way with 45 goals with Brooke Pay solid in defence for the Bombers.
For the Saints, Sarah Domaschenz was great through the centre and attack whilst Tahlia Sailor led the way with 22 goals.