Netball
29 April, 2024
Noradjuha Quantong remain unbeaten
Noradjuha Quantong A Grade netballers remain unbeaten after three rounds following a 28-goal win over Natimuk at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
Without prolific goal shooter Shannon Couch, the Bombers came out of the blocks gaining an early 10-goal lead at quarter time with the Rams only managing four goals. The Rams held firm in the second, scoring seven, and trailing by 12 goals at halftime.
The Bombers then ran rampant in the second half, scoring 25 goals to nine to run out 48-20 point winners.
Holly Nuske was brilliant yet again for the Bombers providing plenty of drive through the mid-court with Kate Cameron also solid throughout attack and defence. Ella Netherway scored 19 goals with Taylor Shelley 18 and Jayne Tucker with 11.
For the Rams, Danielle Hanson scored 11 goals with Olivia Sudholz also holding her own in defence.
Bombers coach Fiona Rowe said it was a tough battle despite the scoreboard saying otherwise.
"They are a tough side and competed well for the ball in every contest. We had to play top-level netball to get away with the win," Rowe said.
Rowe praised Holly Nuske for yet another brilliant game and also highlighted a few other excellent players.
"Holly has slotted in well and she is really important to our team setup in getting us that drive through the mid-court. She has really made it her own and is working extremely hard and it's paying dividends," Rowe said.
"Jayne Tucker has stepped up over the last couple of weeks and has shown great connections with the goal shooter in that goal attack position.
"Brooke Pay has settled back in the defensive end and is having a pearler of a year. She is reading the play well, is anticipating plays and dictating."
"We have a great mix with experienced and youth coming through with Izabella McIntyre and Ella Netherway performing well as youngsters."
Harrow Balmoral improve from round one
Harrow Balmoral put up an improved performance following round one in their 13-goal loss to Edenhope Apsley at Harrow Recreation Reserve.
The game was tight in the first quarter with the Saints leading by one goal before running away with the match with the Southern Roos doing well to stay in touch in the 56-43 scoreline.
Lavinia Fox scored a game-high 34 goals for the Saints with Tahlia Sailor also solid with 22.
For the Southern Roos, Megan Little was solid at goal defence and Tori Dunstan was impressive up forward with 27 goals.
Southern Roos coach Emily Langley said there is a boost of confidence in the team as they not only played well against a finals-bound team, but also have started to gel as a team.
"With the gradual improvement, we are starting to believe as a team and are starting to build a connection with support of each other," Langley said.
"Our goalies had a boost of confidence which is good to see and the consistency was much more impressive. Their goalies were bang on and they were tough to play as they were accurate."
Langley highlighted Megan Little and Tori Dunston as standouts.
"Megan Little in goal defence had a blinder. She is consistent and put them under pressure and turned the ball over with her fingertips and I couldn't ask for anything more," Langley said.
"I was also impressed with Tori Dunstan as a goal shooter. Her confidence in demanding the ball and finishing was excellent and she was more accurate which is all I want from her."
Swifts make it two in a row
The Swifts dominated from start to finish in their 20-goal win over Taylors Lake at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve.
At quarter time they led by 10 goals and only extended that margin each quarter to run out 54-34 winners.
Rebbekkah Seeary scored a game-high 32 goals for the Swifts with Isabella Robson and Lisa Monaghan their best players on the court.
For Taylors Lake, Harriet Overman was their best player with 16 goals, all scored after entering the court in the second quarter. Kayla Kelm was solid again for the Lakers in what is a brilliant season for the youngster.
Laharum remain unbeaten
Caitlin Story and Maddison Iredell put on another clinic in attack, scoring 35 and 28 goals respectively in Laharum's 17-goal win over Kaniva Leeor.
The Cougars put it up to the Demons early, leading by one point at quarter time. Despite Laharum starting to get on top in the second quarter, the Cougars hung tight to trail by nine points at the main break.
The Cougars refused to give in and battled hard to trail by 13 points at three-quarter-time eventually going down 46-63.
Blair Burke was sensational for the Cougars scoring 36 goals with Zoe Hawker and Melody Maddern also among their best whilst Melanie Russell was best on court at wing attack for the Demons.