Netball
29 April, 2024
Stawell prevail in tough battle on club's big day
The Stawell A Grade netballers marked the club's 150th celebrations in special style with a five-point win over Minyip Murtoa at Central Park.
The Burras took a one-point lead into quarter time and held that margin into halftime. It was a dominant 13-7 point third quarter from Stawell that set up the win as they were able to hold that margin throughout the last quarter to win 48-43.
Ebony Summers shot 35 goals whilst Lisa Considine was brilliant in defence for the home side whilst Kirby Knight shot 31 for the Burras with Lauren Dodgshun and Johanna Griffiths their best players.
Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson said it was a hard-fought game and is proud of the girls for staying strong, especially in the second half.
"It was a tough game and Minyip Murtoa brought it up to us and were playing well," Clarkson said.
"At half time I said to the girls that this is an important day and it's up to us to do the club proud and they responded to that and came out firing in the third quarter.
"We were more steady and made better choices with our passes and we edged in front and was able to hold that lead. I am very proud of the girls."
Clarkson praised Ebony Summers and Lisa Considine for their performances.
"Ebony is playing some great netball and has stepped up this year and taken on the leadership role in the attacking end well. She is demanding the ball and wants the ball and wants to shoot it and when she shoots it, she shoots it well," Clarkson said.
"Lisa was solid and consistent in defence. She really comes through when you need that intercept, pops up and reads the ball well and knows when to go and when to hold.
"It was a great day for the club with a big crowd and it was great to see so many past players back at the club and cheering us on. The committee did well to put on a marvelous day and everyone wanted to do their best because of it and they did."
Saints send message after win over the Demons
The Horsham Saints sent a clear message that they will be hard to defeat this year in their win against Horsham on Anzac Day.
In a tight first quarter, the Saints took a slender four-goal lead into quarter time, extending that to eight at halftime. In the second half, they shot 34 goals to 25 to run out 17-point winners, 65-48.
Ashlee Grace won the Anzac Medal for best on the court with a brilliant display through the centre with intercepts and providing drive through the mid-court setting up structure and plays.
Jorja Clode was sensational with 50 goals for the Saints whilst Imogen Worthy and Romi Miller were the best players for the Demons with the former scoring 28 goals.
Saints coach Jess Cannane was thrilled with the win but said it was closer than what the scoreboard said.
"It felt closer as the game ebbed and flowed as teams got on small runs," Cannane said.
"With that said, it was a nice win but we need to remember that it is round two. They will get better as they develop and so will we."
Cannane praised defender Maddison Bethune who keeps getting better and Megan Byrne's influence on the wing.
"As predicted, Maddison has gone from strength to strength with more exposure and on Anzac Day it was no different. She played well," Cannane said.
"Megan Byrne showed all her experience and slowed the game and controlled the game and allowed the goalies to score as many as possible.
"Finally, Ash Grace played a consistent game and has had a great start to the season."
Grace said they still have some fine-tuning to do.
"We can get more polished and start to capitalise on the hard work we are doing defensively and take as many scoring opportunities as possible," Cannane said.
Eagles secure brilliant win at home.
The Warrack Eagles have stunned Ararat with an impressive 13-point win at Anzac Park.
The Eagles came out of the blocks fast taking a five-point lead into quarter time and extending it to six at halftime.
They came out firing in the third to extend the margin to 11 points and ran out the game well to win 46-33.
Sarah Marchment led the way with 22 goals whilst Amber O'Connor scored 19. Jordan Heller was named best on the court for the home team.
Laney McLoughlan scored 22 goals for Ararat with Julia Harricks and Monique Scott doing well through the mid-court.
Eagles coach Leiah McKenzie said it was a great win.
"Both sides played good netball and we were able to take control of the game and I was proud of the girls in how they executed it," McKenzie said.
"We were able to play it at our pace and didn't force things and took opportunities of turnovers and I am proud they were able to stick it out and get the win."
McKenzie highlighted a few players who played their role.
"Jordan Heller played an awesome defensive game and she read the game well. She was able to rebound and pick up a lot of missed shots and has stood up this year and is becoming a big player in defence," McKenzie said.
"Sarah Marchment has a cool steady head and is working well with Amber O'Conner in goals.
"Amber is going from strength to strength in the goal ring and is shooting well and rebounding missed shots and can get a second opportunity which is great to see."
"Ava Koschitzke has been dynamite through the mid-court and is making leads and presenting well. She is standing up against the bigger opponents and Nicola Clyne has improved so it's good to see our youngsters playing so well."
Dimboola start season with bang.
At Davis Park, Dimboola started their season with a comfortable 44-26 point win over Nhill.
The Roos led by eight points at quarter-time and just got better as the game went along. Maddison Marra scored 23 goals in the win.
Courtney Hillier was again great for the Tigers with Ellen Bennett and Larnie Hobbs great through the mid-court and defence respectively.