Netball
2 April, 2024
Clean sweep for Stawell netballers
Stawell netballers dominated Good Friday against Ararat winning all seven grades at North Park.
The A Grade won 59-33, B Grade, 34-31, C Grade, 46-15, C Reserve, 53-5, U17, 55-22, U15, 42-37 and U13, 33-3.
The A Grade got off to a good start, leading by four points at quarter time. It was in the second quarter that they started to assert their control, scoring 29 goals to 16 to lead 42-25 at halftime. Stawell maintained their dominance to run out 26 goal-winners.
Coach Jemma Clarkson said their fitness got them over the line, especially with the hot weather.
"It was always going to be a challenge with the weather. It was very hot out there," Clarkson said.
"I think that one thing that shone during our game was the second half. The girls have worked hard on their fitness and had the legs to run out a full game.
"They had a running program in play which offered different options depending on the athlete and whatever other preferred exercise they had, such as swimming or riding or gym, and they all worked hard and it showed."
Ebony Summers scored 38 goals for Stawell whilst Clarkson scored 14. Youngster Ayva Mitchell scored 7. For Ararat, it was Laney McLoughlan scoring 19 with Jessie Bligh contributing 14.
Clarkson said that Summers and Lisa Considine as captains were brilliant with their leadership.
"Ebony was a powerhouse in goals and had several defenders rotating onto her and she stood out and dominated in the ring," Clarkson said.
"She was a real leader. She was directive and instructive and offered a lot of encouragement, especially when youngster Ayva Mitchell was subbed on after playing in the 15u earlier."
"As for Lisa, she is a star. She was a rock in defence and hardly anything gets passed her. The goalies have to work hard and as she is not tall, she has a lot of spring in her step and works hard all game."
"Her voice is wonderful and she is constantly talking to and encouraging other players."
Stawell will now play a practice match against St Arnaud at home this weekend and then will prepare for their round one clash against Horsham Saints on April 20.
Clarkson concluded that it is great to be able to play a practice match on their home court as they won't be playing at home until round two on April 27.
"We are very fortunate that we get to play St Arnaud and even more that it is on our home court as it's always nice to play on the home court."