Sport
6 August, 2025
Thunder give Saints some tough workouts
What a fantastic performance the Moddies kids put on on Saturday.
They thrived with the opportunity to play as a Ggrade 5/6 group and delivered a strong team effort, winning 18-3.
Their significant levels of improvement were a popular conversation topic post game among spectators.
As always, I am a happy coach if I see glimpses of skills we have been working on at training, and on SaturdayI left the stadium a very happy coach.
One of the biggest improvements on display was leading.
Their timing, direction, positioning and awareness of space and other players has grown an incredible amount in a short period of time.
Another key skill they’ve began to develop is their decision making.
Each player is making more effective choices on the court and you can almost see their thought process as it happens.
There were many positives out of the game: lots of intercepts, chasing loose balls and 18 goals.
It was a brilliant performance.
Awards:
Mealsbox – Lilah Bainbridge: Lilah played an excellent attacking game and contributed to the scoreboard regularly. Her confidence grows each week, as does her ring movement and goal accuracy. Improvement levels are off the charts. Well done, Lilah.
Thunder Canteen – Matilda Thompson: Matilda has taken another huge step in her netball development in the past few weeks. Til intercepted well on Saturday and was working hard on ensuring she re-offered leads and made space down the court. Keep playing with a smile, Matilda. Well done.
Under 13s
The girls played a fast-paced game on the inside court in the stadium this week against a strong Saints team.
Even though the Saints led on the scoreboard all game, our girls didn’t give up for a second and kept working hard right until the final whistle.
Felicity and Mia combined beautifully in the ring, setting up strong positions, rebounding well and shooting some lovely goals.
Amelia also jumped in for a quarter and made a great impact with her holds in the ring and accurate shooting.
In the midcourt, Pippa S, Sophie, and Adalyn gave it their all, making great leads to the ball and sending in some sharp, clever passes to the shooters.
Down in defence, Pippa F, Elka and Emma worked their socks off, applying pressure at every chance and making life difficult for the Saints' shooters and their attack.
The girls showed some fantastic team play with smart moves to lose their defenders and lead to the ball.
No win this week but the effort, teamwork and improvement each game is something to be really proud of.
Keep it up, girls.
Final score: Horsham Saints 46 defeated SM Thunder 26
Awards: Pippa Shannon, Pippa Fisher, Mia Roberts
Under 15s
Heading into this week’s game our goal was simple: play our game with nothing to lose.
We’re proud to say that by the final whistle we had done exactly that.
Every player gave it their all, fighting tooth and nail from the first centre pass to the last.
This week we were excited to welcome three players from the 13 and under team: Fliss, Pip S and Pip F.
All three stepped up with confidence and composure, slotting seamlessly into the team and playing their hearts out.
They were a credit to themselves and a great addition to the Thunder 15s for the match.
Well done to all players.
Your teamwork, effort and spirit made us proud.
Final score: Horsham Saints 47 defeated SM Thunder 7
Player awards: KMC Hair Award – Luca Landrigan, Lanes and Games Award – Dakota Siepolt, Towel Award – Makenzie Roche
Under 17s
The girls put their all on the court and wouldn’t let the Saints get away with the win easily, making it to halfway through the third quarter before the mercy rule was put in play, 5-55.
The girls smashed their goal of trying to score more than last game (51-1) and not get mercy-ruled before half-time.
To finish off the game the girls had heaps of fun switching their positions around and playing where they normally wouldn’t.
Elsa Byron and Esther Kelly got the best this week for their brilliant voices on the court, you can hear them all over motivating and cheering on the whole team.
Final score: Horsham Saints 55 defeated SM Thunder 5
Awards: Elsa Byron, Esther Kelly
C grade
The sun was shining as we headed into the stadium at Coughlin Park to take on the Saints in round 15.
We knew it would be a tough day on court considering they’re a top-of-the-table team.
However, we didn’t let that rattle us, entering the game with a positive mindset.
There was some sharp shooting from Bronte anywhere in the circle.
Rotations in the midcourt kept fresh legs for Kat, Kate, Kim (say that five times fast), Esther and Jade.
Rach Watson proved her diversity and she was switched end to end from GS to GK.
This gave way for 15 and under player Olivia Moore to have a crack at her first ever senior game in GS – she fitted right in and didn’t let some tight defence get in her way.
Although the end score wasn’t in our favour everyone held their heads high, smiling and having fun.
Final score: Horsham Saints 67 defeated SM Thunder 22
B grade
B grade had a tough game on Saturday against Horsham Saints.
Nevertheless, each player gave it their all on the court showing the amazing team spirit of Thunder.
Best on court, Pheobe, shook up the defensive end with her height and intercepts.
Denita Reid ran the court until the end, feeding effortlessly into the shooters, all while claiming a few intercepts as well.
Issy Allan and Coco Landrigan assisted in the midcourt, carrying the ball down.
With a few swapped positions throughout the game Tia and Shelby rotated through the defensive and attacking ends, with Jaida holding the fort steady at the defensive end.
All the girls brought their strength and composure to the court despite the rough opposition but unfortunately fell behind.
Final score: Horsham Saints 63 defeated SM Thunder 25
Awards: Phoebe Bigham, Denita Reid
A grade
The Thunder took to the court knowing they were up against a tough opponent in the undefeated Saints, but from the first whistle to the final siren, Thunder showed grit, determination and a fighting spirit that couldn’t be faulted.
While the Saints came away with a 75-47 win, it was far from an easy contest.
Thunder pushed hard right across the four quarters, making the Saints work for every single goal.
The defensive pressure was relentless, with Thunder forcing turnovers and contesting every pass, refusing to let Saints settle into their usual rhythm.
The Thunder’s midcourt worked tirelessly, keeping up the intensity and driving the ball forward with purpose.
Every player on court played their part, showing heart and work rate even as Saints’ polished attack made their presence felt.
Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect the full story, Thunder made it clear they are a team with fight, spirit and unity.
They challenged the Saints at every opportunity, earning the respect of not just their opponents but everyone watching.
It was a performance to be proud of – Thunder’s refusal to give in, their work ethic and their ability to maintain pressure was a testament to their character.
With that effort, Thunder proved they are not far off the mark and they’ll only grow stronger from here.
Final score: Horsham Saints 75 defeated SM Thunder 47
Awards: Sydney Thorogood, Connie Rule
