Netball
8 July, 2024
Demons hand Saints first loss in stunning display
On Sunday, at Coughlin Park, Horsham stormed to a 13-goal victory over the Saints, stunning the ladder leaders on their home court, handing them their first loss of the season in round eleven of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Dubbed a grand final preview, the game didn't disappoint, being close throughout. Imogen Worthy was outstanding for the Demons, scoring 34 goals, with Georgia Batson chipping in with 22.
Abby Hallam scored 23 for the Saints, and Taya Quick continued her outstanding run of form after filling in for Jorja Clode with 20 goals.
Eagles win two on the trot
In the second consecutive week, Amber O'Connor's calm, brilliant shooting helped lead the Warrack Eagles to their third win, a seven-point victory over Ararat at Alexandra Oval.
O'Connor shot 24 goals for the match, which was tightly contested throughout. The Eagles came out firing in the first quarter to lead by five goals at quarter-time.
On their home court, Ararat fought back hard in the second to trail by one point at half-time.
It was goal-for-goal in the third quarter, with the Eagles taking a slender two-goal lead into the final quarter.
O'Connor and Sarrah Marchment were strong in the final quarter, nailing their goals to guide the Eagles to a 44-37 win.
Jesse Bligh scored 23 goals for Ararat, and Demi Bligh and Mia Robb were their best players.
Eagles coach Leiah McKenzie said that it was a great win.
"We were challenged a bit, but luckily, the girls had the confidence to grit their teeth and get the win," McKenzie said.
"Amber shot incredibly well again and was steady, and we had Lauren Clyne rotating through the goals to mix it up a bit, and along with Sarah Marchment, all did well."
"Ash McKenzie was reliable for us and steadied the ship. She has good leadership skills and stands up in tough moments. The girls look to her guidance, and she leads from the front."
Roos and Tigers fight out stalemate
A draw has been recorded for the first time this season, a 49-49 stalemate at Dimboola Recreation Reserve.
Dimboola took a two-goal lead into quarter-time, but Nhill scored 18 goals to 11 in the second quarter to lead by five at half-time.
The Tigers threatened to run away with the game, but a 17-goal third quarter from the Roos saw them retake the lead by two goals heading into the final quarter.
In a tight quarter, the Tigers were able to lock it up as the final siren went.
Nicole Polycarpou scored 31 goals for the Roos, with Paige Glover and Bridget Dorrington among their best players.
Emma Beer scored 27 goals for the Tigers, Ellen Bennett was excellent through the centre, and Claudia McRae was solid in goal attack, with 22 goals.
Warriors move a game clear in fifth
Stawell has moved a game clear of Southern Mallee Thunder and Minyip Murtoa following a ten-goal win over the latter at Minyip Recreation Reserve.
It was a tight first half. The scores were level at quarter-time, and Stawell took a two-goal lead into half-time.
The Warriors scored 13 goals to seven to extend the lead to eight goals and then ran out the game to win 58-48.
Ayva Mitchell and Ebony Summers scored a game-high 29 goals for Stawell, and Rachel Wood was excellent at wing defence for the away team.
Kirby Knight also shot 29 goals, with Lauren Dodgshun and Johanna Griffiths among their best down back.
Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson said it was a tough-fought match and that she was proud of the girls.
"I am pleased with our efforts and it's nice to be back in the finals hunt," Clarkson said.
"It was a hard-fought game, and we knew coming in the style they play is fast, and we were also aware of how much they had improved, so we had a game plan in mind on how to combat it.
"The first half was tight, and in the third quarter, the girls kept putting that pressure on, which caused a few turnovers, and we were able to sneak away and maintain it for the rest of the game."
"Rachel Wood had a terrific game at wing defence for us. We have focused on the importance of shutting down wing attacks, especially when they have tall dominant shooters, such as Kirby Knight, who is dangerous and an outstanding player."
"Rachel did a good job, worked hard, and stopped that feeding, which was great to see.
"Ebony Summers was a workhorse in our attack end and has been reoffering a lot and worked hard all day down the court defensively and had a great game."