Netball
6 May, 2024
Demons and Bombers keep powering on
Laharum and Noradjuha Quantong netball A Grade sides are the two unbeaten teams after round four of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Laharum defeated Taylors Lake by 32 points at Cameron Oval after a damaging first half which saw them take a 35-19 lead into halftime. They continued their momentum to run out 71-39 winners.
Rebecca McIntyre was best-on-court in defence with Caitlin Story shooting 43 goals with Maddison Iredell shooting 28.
Lilly Weir scored 13 for the Lakers and was their best with Kayla Kelm through the centre continuing her excellent season.
Demons coach Rebecca McIntyre said it was a tough game.
"Despite what the scoreboard shows, we were pushed for four quarters," McIntyre said.
"We didn't have Emalie Iredell and our wing attack and wing attack Melanie Russell hurt herself, so it was tough, but our younger players stepped up which was good to see."
B Grader Keely Elliott filled Iredell's role with Sophie Quick coming on the court in the second quarter and McIntyre said both played well.
"Keely is our eighth player but she came in and stepped up and held her own," McIntyre said.
"Quick doesn't usually play Wing Attack, but was good at positioning and slotting in, so she got her chance and she is pushing for that A Grade selection."
Bombers have strong win over Stawell
At North Park, Noradjuha Quantong scored a 25-goal victory, 62-37.
It was a tight first quarter with scores level but the Bombers showed their class, running away from the match in the final three quarters.
Shannon Couch was sensational up forward with 36 goals with Holly Nuske again among the best in the centre.
For the Swifts, Michaela Armer was their best with 22 goals with Lisa Monaghan again solid through the midcourt.
Bombers coach Fiona Rowe said it was a fight.
"They brought it to us and we had to find another gear and the girls stood up and did what had to be done," Rowe said.
"They hit their straps and played amazing after the second quarter. They were given instructions at quarter time, took it on board and smashed it.
"We have our connections going and everyone is encouraging and supporting each other and that helped a lot on Saturday."
Rowe highlighted Taylor Shelley with 26 goals and Brooke Pay as having great games.
"Taylor has fit in well with our team in her second match and it's nice to have her a part of our group," Rowe said.
"Brooke is having an outstanding year in defence and can anticipate her defensive influence which is nice to watch."
Kalkee have massive win against Pimpinio
Kalkee also had a strong win, defeating Pimpinio by 33 goals at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve.
They led by four goals at quarter time but flexed their muscles to run out 62-29 winners. Emily Polack on wing defence and Molly Lakin on wing attack were their best players with forwards Jarrah Martin and Jenna Bywaters combining well with 40 and 22 goals respectively.
Kees coach Paula Wiedermann said it was a pleasing result.
"We have observed what structures and combinations we needed to work on and implemented this into our game and it was pleasing to see the results," Wierdermann said.
"We were able to capitalise on turnovers in defence and our defensive pressure was impressive.
"The girls were pretty pumped and so they should be as their hard work is paying off."
Pimpinio coach Jayde Ellis praised some of her players.
"Annie Felini in our attack is doing an extremely good job and keeping her direct opponents quiet," Ellis said.
"All three of our defence, Tahnee Brown, Holly Ross and Steph Runciman have been making the opposition work hard for their goals despite the scoreline.
"We just need to play four quarters and now we have played all the top teams, we know what we need to do to move forward."
Rupanyup win thriller
In the final game, Rupanyup defeated Kaniva Leeor by four points in a tight contest.
The Cougars led at every break, with the margin being a goal at three-quarter-time but the Panthers pounced in the last scoring 14 points to nine to win 49-45.
Zainaiya Bergen was brilliant up forward with 31 goals with Meg Cashin again solid through the centre continuing her excellent start to the year for the Panthers.
Zoe Hawker was the best player for the Cougars in attack with Tahlia Perason and Nikki Hawker both scoring 16 goals apiece and Ruby Gordon named their best player in defence.
Cougars coach Kyle King said it was heartbreaking to lose after leading most of the day.
"We are so close and we are up there taking it to the top teams, but considering we were ahead all day, to lose by four point was heartbreaking," King said.
"It was a solid team effort and the girls are improving each week and are playing well across the board and I was impressed with how they played."