Netball
2 September, 2024
Saints overcome tricky conditions to defeat the Roos
The Horsham Saints overcame difficult conditions to defeat Dimboola by 31 goals at Davis Park in Saturday's first netball Qualifying Final in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
In windy conditions, with sprinkles of rain making things challenging, the Saints found their groove after a difficult first couple of minutes in the first quarter. They settled into a rhythm to lead by ten goals at quarter-time.
In the second quarter, at the tougher end of the court, which wasn't as sheltered from the conditions, the Saints were massive, scoring another 15 goals to extend their margin to 16 at half-time.
The Saints didn't stop in the third, limiting the Roos to eight goals whilst scoring 16 to lead by 24 goals at three-quarter-time.
The Saints ran the game well in the last, scoring another 13 goals to six to win 61-30.
Jorja Clode led the way on the court with 33 goals for the Saints, with Abby Hallam shooting 20. Maddison Bethune and Holly Phillips were brilliant in defence for the Saints.
Olivia Beugelaar scored 18 goals for the Roos, and Nicole Polycarpou scored 11. Stephanie Glover and Paige Glover were their two best players in defence and midcourt, respectively.
Saints coach Jess Cannane praised the defensive pressure.
"Our defensive pressure allowed us to turn the ball over, and we were able to capitalise on the few opportunities," Cannane said.
"Given the wind conditions, to limit Dimboola to seven goals in the first quarter and then score 15 at the harder end set up the game.
"Our defensive pressure from our attacking end was brilliant, and we gave our attack more opportunities, and it's pleasing that the girls went out and played our game, adapting to the weather conditions."
Maddison Bethune had a blinder of a match at Goal Defence in her first A-grade final, and Cannane wasn't surprised.
"We knew she would be able to handle the pressure, and it's been a little while since the under-17s haven't played a game before, so to warm up with the whole team, you could see all the players relished that opportunity," Cannane said.
Holly Phillips took a few games to adjust, having joined the team from Melbourne in round seven, and has been sensational at wing defence in recent weeks and raised the bar on Saturday.
"Holly is a very athletic player, and she is getting better each week she plays and has gotten used to how we go about our netball and plan from our defensive point of view and is adjusting well and slotting into our defensive lineup," Cannane said.
"She is cementing her position in that wing defence, has slotted well into our defensive lineup, and is providing a lot of leadership and spark."
Heading into the match against the Horsham Demons next week with a grand final spot on the line, Cannane is happy with where they are.
"There are a few things we were trying to do defensively and make sure we are following the game and plan, and despite the weather and the different combinations that were thrown at us, it was pleasing to see us play the way we want to play," Cannane said.
"With all seven netball teams playing at Anzac Park next Saturday, it will feel like a home game, and we look forward to it. The good thing is that some of our players, particularly Jorja Clode, will have played in the conditions of the game before, which will help, considering that as a goal shooter, she will get a good feel for the rings.
"We know that next week, we need to play 60 minutes to win, and we are prepared to do that. I am happy with how things are, and we are excited for next week."