Netball
14 July, 2024
Cougars one step closer to finals
Kaniva Leeor has moved two games clear in sixth spot following a three-goal win over Natimuk at Natimuk Showgrounds in round 13 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Cougars were without Zoe Hawker and Melanie Maddern due to commitments in South Australia but welcomed back goal-shooter Blair Burke from two months on the sidelines with a hand injury.
Coming out of the blocks fast, the Cougars scored the game's first five goals through relentless pressure. The Cougars scored 15 goals in the first quarter to lead by six at quarter-time.
The Rams started to get closer in the second quarter, scoring 13 goals to trail by four at half-time.
The Cougars slowly started to regain their lead in the third quarter, extending their margin to eight goals at three-quarter time.
On their homecourt, the Rams put up a tremendous fight in the final quarter, scoring 14 goals to nine, but they just missed out on the win, losing 45-48.
Burke scored 28 goals in her comeback game, with Nikki Hawker scoring 20. Lauren Brown was outstanding throughout the center.
For the Rams, Emma Uebergang scored 33 goals, with Keeta Scown excellent at goalkeeper.
Cougars' coach, Kylie King, said the fast start was the key.
"It was an excellent start and we emphasised our starts, and it proved vital because they stuck with us for the rest of the game," King said.
Burke's return saw Ruby Gordon move down back, and it was a battle of the young stars, with Gordon and Uebergang matching up on each other.
"Blair slotted back in well, and her hand gave her no problems, so she will be right for the rest of the season," King said.
"It enabled us to move Ruby Gordon back down in defence, and we matched her up with Emma, which was a fantastic battle.
"They have played alongside each other a lot, but to match up two rising stars against each other was a good matchup to watch unfold."
King was ecstatic that players stood up in the absense of Hawker and Maddern.
"We put Lauren Brown back in the centre position this week, and she is always a workhorse. She gets the job done and never shows signs of slowing up," King said.
"Lauren has played wing attack and wing defence this season and is one of those versatile midcourters invaluable to the team.
"Kahli Maddern stepped up in goal defence and is one of those consistent and persistent players, making it difficult for the attackers. She was outstanding."
The win moves the Cougars two games clear of the Swifts in sixth position. However, with three of the four games coming up against top sides Laharum, Rupanyup, and Kalkee, they are far from assured a finals spot, with King taking nothing for granted.
"We know it will be difficult, and we can't take anything for granted, but considering the injuries we have faced this year, everyone is thrilled with where we are sitting, and regardless of what happens, we are pleased with where we are currently at," King concluded.
Bombers bounce back in style
Noradjuha Quantong bounced back from their shock loss to Edenhope Apsley last week to defeat Harrow Balmoral by 37 goals at Harrow Recreation Reserve.
The Southern Roos battled hard early, but a fast quarter saw the Bombers take an eight-goal lead into quarter-time.
Another 16 goals to five in the second quarter extended the margin to 19 goals at the main break.
The Bombers didn't stop after half-time, adding another 17 goals to eight to lead by 28 at the final break. They were relentless in the last quarter, running out 69 to 32 winners.
Shannon Couch shot an amazing 62 goals, continuing her great string of form. Holly Nuske dominated through the centre again.
Tori Dunstan shot 22 goals for the Southern Roos, with Megan Little and Jorja Jones among their best.
Bombers coach Fiona Rowe said the girls connected well.
"They played with great intensity and connected well throughout the court," Rowe said.
"Following the loss last week, we just needed to focus on ourselves and keep possession of the ball, and the girls did that well, which was pleasing to see."
Rowe pointed out Couch and Jayne Tucker as standouts.
"Shannon was amazing, and she added different elements to her game, which was great to see," Rowe said.
"She has been a focal point down in our attack and has been working on implementing different things into her game with the support around her, such as positively influencing our team and causing havoc to defenders."
"Jayne is miss consistent and is just providing us with those magnificent passes in attack and hustling pressure through the midcourt, which is nice to see."
Saints stay within reach of battle for second
Edenhope Apsley remains a game away from battling for the second position on the ladder thanks to a comfortable 28-goal win over Taylors Lakes.
The Saints led by six goals at quarter-time after the Lakers brought the heat early but ran away with the game in the second quarter, shooting 20 goals to lead by 14 at the main break.
They shot another 34 goals to 20 in the second half to win 68-40.
Lavinia Fox was sensational for the home side with 44 goals, and Krystal De Jong chipped in with 24. Amy Geary was also sensational for the Saints through the midcourt.
Harriet Overman scored 22 goals for the Lakers, Zoe Gray was excellent in defence, and Tayla Eltze was good up front, with 18 goals.
Kees with a convincing win over the Swifts
Kalkee stormed to a 26-goal win over the Swifts at North Park. It was a tight battle early, with the Kees taking a slender four-goal lead into quarter-time. In the second quarter, they slowly got away, extending that lead by nine.
In the third quarter, they shot 17 goals to eight to lead by 18 goals at the final break before running out the game to win 59-33.
Jarrah Martin scored 33 goals for the Kees, with Jenna Bywaters shooting 26. Penny Fisher was also solid in defence.
Michaela Armer shot 18 goals for the Baggies, with Edwina Flakemore and Olivia Barber, their best players at goalkeeper and centre, respectively.
Laharum with a comfortable win over spirited Tigers
At Cameron Oval, Laharum stormed to a 28-goal win over Pimpinio. The home side came out of the blocks fast, scoring 17 goals in the first quarter to lead by eight at quarter-time. They added another 14 in the second quarter, with Pimpinio putting in a spirited effort as they extended their lead to 13 at half-time.
The Tigers didn't give in, putting in a competitive effort in the third quarter, but the Demons took a 20-goal lead into three-quarter time. In the final quarter, Laharum stormed away to win 67-39.
Caitlin Jones-Story shot 47 goals for the Demons. Emalie Iredell was one of the best down in attack, and Maddison Iredell was great up forward, with 20 goals.
For the Tigers, Ada Binney led the way with 16 goals, with Annie Felini and Steph Runciman excellent at wing attack and goalkeeper.