Netball
22 April, 2024
Thunder netballers storm to victory
The A Grade Southern Mallee Thunder netballers roared into the Wimmera Football Netball League with a 40-31 win over the Warrack Eagles.
Steph Thomson led the way with 29 goals whilst recruit Sydney Thorogood hit the court running with 11.
It was a tight first quarter with the Thunder taking a one-goal lead into quarter time with the Eagles picking it up in the second quarter to outscore them by two goals to take a one-goal lead into half time.
In the second half, the Thunder started to grind away and ended up running out nine-goal winners.
Steph Thompson said everyone was nervous to begin with and was happy with how they responded.
"In the first quarter we played well and in the second we started to make errors and dropped our heads and our combinations weren't working," Thompson said.
"We made changes and found the right combinations and the momentum picked up. We were able to have a bit more flow down the court which showed on the scoreboard."
Considering it was the first real hitout as a new team, Thompson said everyone gelled together well.
"Everything we had been working on, from fitness and getting to know each other, it was nice to see those things come together," Thompson said.
"There was a big crowd and not only was it exciting getting out to play for the first time, but to come away with the win was great."
Whilst everyone played a great game, Thompson pointed out Caitlin Douglass and MacKenzie Bellinger as standouts.
"Caitlin had several intercepts and took the lead in the defensive end and coordinated plays which helped her and Abby [White]," Thompson said.
"MacKenzie ran all day and was vocal and was great in the attacking end. She made some great decisions that needed to be made and moved the ball well.
"Connie Rule also got a lot of intercepts. Overall, it was a great day for the club."
For the Eagles, Amber O'Connor led the way with 19 goals with Sarah Marchment with 10 whilst Ashlynn McKenzie and Isabella Orszulak were their best in the centre and defence respectively.
The Thunder had mixed results in the other grades with some thrilling contests.
In the B Grade, Shelby Donnan and Bronte Eckermann both scored 19 and 14 goals in a thrilling one-point loss. Gabrielle Rule was also solid in defence.
Jonti George scored a game-high 22 points for the Eagles with Grace Morrow solid in defence.
The C Grade had a thrilling one goal win led by Remy George and Amanda Marshman with 15 and 12 goals respectively. Tara Littlejohns showed versatility and was solid all across the court.
Emma Byron scored 17 goals for the Eagles whilst Hannah Lowe and Coco Malcolm were their best players in defense.
The C Reserve lost by 11 goals. Macey Huf scored 12 goals with Racheal Camilleri and Charlotte McPherson with eight and four respectively whilst Lana Horman was great through the center and Elsa Byron was solid down back. Keeta Orszulak had a solid game for the Eagles with 30 goals.
In the juniors, the Eagles won all three matches.
The Eagles 17u won 57-39. Macey Huf was solid for the Thunder with 25 goals whilst Lauren Clyne led the way for the Eagles with 30.
The Eagles 15u had a solid 33-23 win. Lauren Jenkinson scored 23 for the Eagles whilst Amalee Livingston was best on court with 10 points and solid leadership. For the Thunder, Isabella Huf scored 19 goals with Giaan Eckermann solid in defence.
In the 13u, Ayla Gunn scored 17 goals in their 30-13 victory. Bianca Williams was best on court through the center with Olivia Taylor also solid up forward with 13.
For the Thunder, Ruby Tregenza scored 9 goals whilst Olivia Moore and Pippa Shannon were good in defence and attack respectively.