Netball
14 July, 2024
Warriors prevail in thriller
Stawell has moved a game clear in fifth on the ladder following a thrilling one-goal win against Dimboola at Central Park in round 12 of the Wimmera Football Netball League season.
Stawell lost Ayva Mitchell before the game due to an injury she suffered in the 15-and-under match and managed to keep up with Dimboola early, showing grit and determination to trail by one point at quarter-time.
In the second quarter, the Warriors started to get on top, scoring 17 goals to take a six-goal lead into the main break.
The Roos bounced back in the third, showing why they are one of the premiership contenders and a top-three team, to peg the margin back to one goal.
In the last quarter, it was goal-for-goal, and it was Stawell, spurred on by their home fans, that prevailed, 54-53.
Ebony Summers scored 31 goals for the Warriors, with Madi Taylor stepping up in Mitchell's absence with an impressive 23 goals.
Lauren Homden was sensational in defence, containing Nicole Polycarpou to 37 goals.
Warriors coach Jemma Clarkson said she is proud of the girls.
"We knew they would come back firing, and they did just that, and it was goal-for-goal in the last quarter, and I am proud of the girl's efforts for holding their heads and remaining calm," Clarkson said.
"To hold them off and keep cool heads and play smart netball was great to see, and it was an important win in the context of the season."
Clarkson highlighted her forwards and Homden as their best players in what she described as a 'team effort'.
"Ebony has been a rock this season, has stepped up, and is a leader in attack as captain," Clarkson said.
"We are also fortunate to have a player like Madi Taylor, who is super versatile and adaptable. It was great to see her step up and take on the challenge of playing goals against the Dimboola tough defenders."
"Lauren came back after a week out and could hold Nicole well. Nicole has been shooting well, and we were able to stop that easy feed in the circle. She worked tirelessly all game and kept getting hands to everything she could."
"She was positive, encouraged everyone on the court, boosted the spirit and was influential, especially when the game was tight in the last moments."
Thunder stay in the hunt with a commanding win in Codie Robins 150th
Southern Mallee Thunder, one of the teams challenging for the fifth spot, secured a comfortable 36-goal win over Ararat, with Steph Thomson playing a blinder, scoring 51 goals.
The Thunder led by six goals at quarter-time and extended the lead each quarter to win 75-39.
Sydney Thorogood also scored 18 goals for the Thunder, and Caitlin Douglass scored six after moving from defense.
For Ararat, Sophie Cooper and Philippa Bush were their best players, with Jesse Bligh scoring 14 goals.
Thunder coach Steph Thomson said that it was an incredible team performance in Robins' 150th match.
"It was really great to win Codie's milestone game," Thomson said.
"It was a great team effort with everyone playing their role, especially with Abby White missing and needing to shuffle things around; it was even better."
"We trained on Thursday and worked hard with what we had, but we had to change up the squad, with one of the changes playing Sydney Thorogood down back and Caitlin Douglass up forward."
"It was a great game of netball, and our intensity was high. Ararat was shooting unbelievably well, and we managed to flow better down the court and win."
Saints bounce back with an easy victory over the Eagles
At Anzac Park, the Horsham Saints defeated the Warrack Eagles by 32 goals.
It was a low-scoring quarter in a tight tussle, with the Saints taking a two-goal lead into quarter-time, 8-6.
An incredible 19 goals in the second quarter saw them extend that lead to 14 at the main break. They shot another 17 goals in the second quarter, conceding only three as they led by 28 goals at three-quarter-time. They ran the game out to win 55-23.
Taya Quick led the Saints with 31 goals, and Abby Hallam scored 24. Holly Phillips was best on the court in defence.
For the Eagles, Amber O'Connor scored 17 goals, with Jordan Heller and Ava Koschitzke excellent at goalkeeper and wing attack/defence, respectively.
Demons keep rolling
Horsham defeated Minyip Murtoa by 37 goals at Horsham City Oval.
The Demons led by five goals at quarter-time, extending that margin to 14 at half-time. They were relentless in the third quarter, scoring 18 goals to lead by 24 goals before scoring another 20 in the last to run out 71-34 winners.
Imogen Worthy scored 36 goals, and Georgia Batson chipped in with 33 for the Demons. Romi Miller played an excellent game at goal defence.
For the Burras, Kirby Knight led the way with 16 goals, with Taylor Forster and Lauren Dodhshun, their best players at goal defence and goalkeeper, respectively.