Netball
15 April, 2024
Kaniva Leeor victorious in return to A Grade
After not fielding an A-Grade team last year, Kaniva Leeor returned to the A-Grade with a massive win over Natimuk at Kaniva Recreation Reserve.
They got out to an early 14-5 lead before extending the margin to 16 points at halftime. They scored a further 29 points to run out 56-21 victors. Danielle Hanson scored 10 goals for Natimuk with Blair Burke scoring a game-high 37 for the Cougars.
Coach Kylie King said it was a fantastic result for the club.
"It felt really good to be able to come out and get a convincing victory like that," King said.
"The scoreline was not reflective of the game. Natimuk were a very competitive side and we were able to convert goals better than they could.
"Credit to Natimuk, they were very competitive and it feels good to get a win."
King was impressed at how well they came together as a team with a few new faces joining from their B Grade side from 2023.
"They gelled as a team better than expected and I was happy with their drive through the court and teamwork across the board. They played together as a real cohesive unit," King said.
"Whilst everyone played well there were three standouts on the day. Zoe Hawker has come back to the club after playing as a junior and was a standout in the center.
"Blair Burke was amongst our best and Nicki Hawker was also outstanding at goal defence before moving to goal attack due to an injury, scoring 12 goals after that change."
King said the team responded well after losing Abbey Croft and Melody Maddern to injuries.
"The team was doing well in the first quarter and the second quarter, injuries happened and the girls did well to adjust and settle into the game," King said.
King was impressed with Ruby Gordon an under-15 player, stepping in after the first injury.
"Ruby played a beautiful game. It was her first ever senior game and she handled it beautifully and is one to watch," King said.
"She is fit and young and I am looking forward to seeing how she develops this year."
Bombers' defeat improved Harrow Balmoral
At Quantong Recreation Reserve, the Bombers had a tough 58-33 win over an improved Harrow Balmoral outfit.
Shannon Couch started the season where she left off 2023 with an impressive 51 goals whilst Tori Dunstan was solid for the Southern Roos with 19 goals.
Brooke Pay was also brilliant for the Bombers down back whilst Megan Little and Febey McLure were the best for the Roos.
Holly Nuske started her new journey at the Bombers with a bang in the center after moving across from the Horsham Demons. Coach Fiona Rowe said she won their incentive award.
"Holly provides that extra drive and is super fit and fit in well with the team," Rowe said.
"Everyone did well. With the rolling subs, it didn't matter who we had in what position, we all connected and played hard for the four quarters and were consistent. The rolling subs will suit us this year and I am proud of the girls.
"Harrow brought a strong contested game and it was tough but we managed to hold them off and I couldn't be prouder of the girls for starting the season off on this note."
Southern Roos coach Emily Langley said she was impressed and proud of the girls.
"It was a great effort and a great start with a new team. There are a few things to build on but I am impressed with the girls on having a go and being competitive," Langley said.
"I am expecting the Bombers to be in the finals and it was a good benchmark to figure out what we need to work on and what we need to do well.
"It is the first season we are playing together and we need to start to develop connections and it came throughout the game and we also need to become used to a physical game of netball at a high standard."
"I am proud of the girls for having a go and was impressed with the first hit out and we can build from this."
Kees start season with a comfortable victory
At Kalkee Recreation Reserve, the Kees had a comfortable 55-29 win over the Swifts. Jenna Bywaters led the way with 28 goals whilst for the Swifts it was Rebbekkah Seeary leading the way with 16 with Lisa Monaghan and Isabella Robson also solid.
Kees coach Paula Wiedermann was thrilled with the game and is a fan of the new sub rule.
"We had a good first round. The girls are pretty excited and they played a great game," Wiedermann said.
"We had great rotations through the game with the subs and it allows flexibility in rotating the team and bringing on other players and it's great.
"We had some players that we wanted to get onto the court and we were able to try combinations and structures and we are fans of the rolling sub-rule."
Wiedermann said that everyone played well, but the two Martin girls at both ends of the court were brilliant.
"All the girls went out there and played extremely well," Wiedermann said.
"Jarrah Martin, one of our junior development players was strong up forward with 25 goals and has become stronger and more confident.
"Her sister Lotus at the other end played the majority of the. game and she was amazing. Her defence and pressure were awesome."
"Jenna Bywaters also had a great game up front and Penny Fister was brilliant. Overall, I am thrilled."
Reigning premiers secure win whilst Laharum make a statement
At Dock Lake Recreation Reserve, 41 goals to Lavinia Fox led the reigning premiers, Edenhope Apsley to 53-43 win over an improved Lakers side.
Recruit Tahlia Sailor chipped in with 12 goals as the two were named best players on the court.
For the Lakers, Tayla Eltze scored 29 goals with Chloe Kelm also having a solid game.
At Pimpinio Sporting Complex, Laharum showed their hand with an impressive 71-33 win over Laharum.
Caitlin Jones-Story was brilliant with 41 goals with Maddison Iredell chipping in with 30, whilst Emalie Iredell and Olivia Jones-Story were brilliant throughout the game and named best on court.
For Pimpinio, Lana Ellis scored 16 goals whilst recruit Steph Runciman impressed as their best player with Jayde Ellis also having a solid game with 12 goals.