Netball
1 July, 2025
Kalkee overcome fast-starting Lakers
Kalkee won their third consecutive game of A grade netball, defeating Taylors Lake 54-38 on Saturday in round 11 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Playing at Kalkee, Taylors Lake got off to a strong start, with decisive intercepts giving them the edge as they entered the first break up 12-10.
But the momentum shifted midway through the second quarter, with Kalkees’ defensive disruption and possession control helping them gain the upper hand, taking the lead as they went up 27-23 at half-time.
After Kalkee extended their lead to 10 at the third-quarter break, a slew of goals from Taylors Lake kept them within reach early in the fourth before the Kees finished strongly.
Emily Polack and Lotus Martin were standouts for Kalkee on the defensive end, while Jarrah Martin and Casey Rentsch impressed in goals, scoring 28 and 23 goals, respectively.
For Taylors Lake, Olivia Revell and Harriet Overman were the better players, with Revell consistently challenging Kalkee’s offence at goal defence, while Overman slotted 23 goal from 29 attempts.
Paula Weidermann, coach of Kalkee, said the team worked themselves into the game after a challenging start.
“The girls were playing a very fast game in the first quarter which forced a lot of unnecessary passes that Taylors Lake were able to capitalise on,” Weidermann said.
“Once the girls settled in the second, it was a nine-goal turnaround.
The Kalkee coach credited Taylors Lake’s development, unsurprised at the fight they brought into the game.
“Taylors Lake have retained a lot of their juniors and it’s a credit to them to see their development into the seniors being a very competitive side,” Weidermann said.
Weidermann also spoke of goalkeeper Lotus Martin’s impact in just her second year of A grade netball.
“This is Lotus’s second year of A grade and to see the growth in her netball is fantastic,” Weidermann said.
“She definitely is one of the strongest defenders going around the league.
“Her height is advantage but having the agility too makes her defensively stronger.
“She has a great voice on the court and shows good leadership within the team.”
At Kaniva, Noradjuha Quantong continued their hot form, with their 49-29 victory over Kaniva Leeor United being their fifth straight win.
Taylor Shelley and Jayne Tucker were the best players for Noradjuha Quantong, while Ellen Bennett and Lauren Brown were Kaniva’s best players.
Accuracy in the goal circle was a key factor in the game, with the Bombers having just five more total attempts but a 20-goal difference in made shots.
The Bombers’ Taya Quick continued her impressive shooting form, nailing 27 of her 32 attempts at goal.
Quick is currently second in total goals across all teams for the A grade netball season and backs up her 47 goals from 53 attempts effort against the Swifts last week.
Natimuk are keeping their finals hopes alive after defeating Pimpinio 59-40.
Leading the way for Natimuk was goalshooter Emma Uebergang, who finished the game with an impressive 44 goals from 52 goal attempts.
Natimuk’s Tara McIntyre added in 15 goals of her own while Keta Scown played an impressive game in goal defence.
For Pimpinio, Janae Slorach shot well, hitting 24 from 28 attempts.
The Tigers’ Emily Hannan and Tahnee Brown were the best players on the losing side, with Brown providing versatility across numerous defensive positions.
In other games, Rupanyup demonstrated that they are the team to beat with a comprehensive 64-24 win over the Swifts, and Edenhope Apsley registered their seventh win of the season, defeating Harrow Balmoral 53-36, with coach Lavinia Fox leading the way with 37 goals.