Netball
6 May, 2024
Dimboola make it two on the trot
The Dimboola A Grade netballers have started their season off on a bright start, with another victory, this time a five-goal win over Stawell in round three of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
The Roos got out of the blocks fast to lead by 12 goals at halftime before Stawell mounted a comeback, with the Roos winning 47-42.
Bridget Dorrington was best-on-court for the Roos in defence with Nicole Polycarpou excellent as a goal shooter with 26 goals.
Coach Ash Morrish said it was a great game.
"We started strong but we died off in the end, so there is a bit of fitness we need to work on but it was a pretty good game in the end," Morrish said.
"Dorrington stood up and was nice and strong and was rebounding well. She and Steph Glover are new to defence and are working well together, talking and reading each other awesomely.
"We just need to work on our fitness as we got tired and made some silly mistakes, but so far I am happy with how the season has gone."
Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson rued the slow start.
"It took us a little bit to get into gear and unfortunately we left our run a little too late," Clarkson said.
"I was pleased with the last quarter in the effort and not giving up attitude. We could easily have let it blow out but the girls did well to run it out so that is a good positive."
Saints continue winning ways
It was Warrack's turn to face the benchmark of the competition, and they battled hard in the first quarter, but the premiership favourites ran easily in the end, 68-32.
Saints co-coach Elly Barnett said it wasn't their best game of the year, but is happy with how they finished.
"The first half was not our best game, but the Eagles slowed it down and we aren't used to a slow game," Barnett said.
"In the third quarter, we started to talk more and got together and ran out the game, but there are a few things we still need to brush up on."
Jorja Clode shot 54 goals but it was Maddison Bethune that was best-on-court again for the third week in a row.
"She is an up-and-coming star. She plays a full game in the Under-17s and then backs it up in A Grade and has so much potential," Barnett said.
"Every week we step up to hard opponents and every week she delivers. She is going to be an amazing player and one to look out for in the coming years as she still has a lot of growth in her. It's exciting to see what she could become."
For the Eagles, Nicola Clyne scored 15 goals and was their best alongside Ashlynn McKenzie in the centre.
Eagles coach Leiah McKenzie said they will take a lot of positives from the game.
"The Saints are a well-polished team and we will take a bit from the game," McKenzie said.
"A big focus for us is playing a consistent four quarters which is something we are starting to achieve as a team.
"We still have a lot of youth in our team that are fine-tuning their positions on the court and how we flow."
"Our captains Ashlynn McKenzie and Sarah Marchment are leading by example week by week and having outstanding performances on game day."
"We are mindful that it is only round three and we are hopeful that our effort during pre-season and now will start to see us put points on the board."
Thunder defeat Ararat to go unbeaten
44 goals to Steph Thomson has led the Southern Mallee Thunder to a 23-point win over Ararat at Alexandra Oval.
The Thunder were in control all game, extending the margin at nearly every break to run out 62-39 point winners.
Coach Steph Thomson said they were happy with how they won.
"We came out firing in the first quarter and it continued which was lovely to see," Thomson said.
"We have been working hard at training and the girls are feeling good and we seem to be getting our systems right.
"We used the third quarter to utilise subs and try new combos and we are confident in what we can do moving forward."
Rylee Cocks in the centre was one of their best players and Thomson praised her efforts.
"Rylee ran all day in the centre and applied a lot of defensive pressure and never stops running," Thomson said.
"Abby White in defence was solid with her rebounding and intercepts as well."
Horsham with a comfortable win over Minyip Murtoa
Horsham bounced back from their Anzac Day loss to the Horsham Saints to defeat Minyip Murtoa 59-35.
Ebonie Salter was best-on-court in defence with Georgia Batson and Imogen Worthy solid up forward with 23 and 33 goals respectively.
For the Burras, Hayley Campbell was great in the second half at wing defence with Matilda Griffiths solid down back.
Burras coach Kirby Knight said they are starting to find rhythym.
"We are still developing our combinations and it was a credit to see how we are flowing through and settling things down," Knight said.
"We need to utilise the ball when we have it and be able to capitalise and maintain possession, but it's still early days.
"The girls are all impressing and everyone is learning and as a team, we are starting to gel."