Netball
11 May, 2024
Laharum win thriller
Laharum A-Grade netballers withstood a late comeback by Noradjuha Quantong to remain unbeaten in the Horsham District Football Netball League, winning by three points in round five at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
The Demons got out of the blocks fast in the first quarter to lead by four goals at quarter time and extended that lead to six at the main break.
The Bombers fought hard to level the scores at three-quarter-time and an intense fourth quarter awaited both the players and the supporters.
Laharum proved a bit too strong, running out 36-33 winners. Caitlin Jones-Story was her prolific best for the Demons scoring 30 points. Rebecca McIntyre, Emalie Iredell and Maddison Iredell were brilliant for the Demons.
Coach Rebecca McIntyre said it was a brilliant game.
"It was four quarters of highly contested netball and that is something you look forward to each week and we were glad to have that," McIntyre said.
"You don't know how you perform until you are under pressure and there are things we now know we need to look at so it was a great learning experience.
"It was a game of equally contested netball where we would go ahead and then they would chip back, and that made it a really good game."
When asked what they have identified, McIntyre said consistency.
"We have some nice run ons and have exceptional plays and then make unforced errors, so it's about that consistency across the entire four quarters," McIntyre said.
"We also didn't have as much a contribution from both goalies as we had in previous games so we can now focus on that and making sure we have that covered.
"We also didn't handle the pressure that well, so all these things are great to learn and I back our team to improve on that and be better prepared next time."
Shannon Couch and Taylor Shelley scored 18 and 12 points respectively for the Bombers with Holly Nuske continuing her brilliant season, named as one of their best players again.
Defender Brooke Pay was instrumental with Yolanda Molineaux in limiting Laharum to their lowest score of the season as well.
Bombers coach Fiona Rowe said it was a great contest and praised everyone, particularly the defenders.
“It was an up and down game and I am proud of our girls that they worked hard for those four quarters and nutted it out ball by ball,” Rowe said.
“Our defenders started with the pressure and did well to hold them and that in turn extended through the midcourt and to our big girls down in attack who kept presenting, so it was a team effort.
“We have things to improve on and we will do that at training. We need to play that high intensity four 15-minute quarter effort, but it was a good contest and I am proud of the girls.”
Kaniva Leeor with a big victory over the Tigers
Kaniva Leeor defeated Pimpinio by 25 points at the Kaniva Recreation Reserve. The Cougars got out to a 12-point lead at quarter time and held that margin in the second, extending it in the second half to run out 53-28 point winners.
Blair Burke was brilliant with 42 goals whilst Zoe and Nikki Hawker continued their brilliant seasons in attack.
Cougars coach Kylie King is thrilled at how Burke and Nikki Hawker are performing up forward.
"Blair is finding her straps and on Saturday her goal ring percentage wasn't as good as it was, so to be able to put up 42 points was a game-winner," King said.
"Nikki and Blair are combining well and getting stronger. Nikki has only recently played forward due to injury and is also damaging down back, so to have that versatility is important too.
"Zoe Hawker has been good at finding space and has good awareness through the centre of the court and as a new player to our club is combining well with team- mates each week."
"The team as a whole is strengthening and playing well together and that gives us confidence moving forward."
For the Tigers, Steph Runciman and Ada Binney were their best players, the latter scoring 10 goals with Lana Ellis leading the way with 12.
Zanaiya Bergen shoots 52 goals to lead Rupanyup to victory.
Fifty-two goals to Zanaiya Bergen have led Rupanyup to a 41-point win over Taylors Lake at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve.
Ally Hiscock was also one of the best players for the Panthers through the midcourt as they ran out 73-32 point winners.
Kayla Kelm and Tayla Eltz were the best players for the Lakers, scoring 16 and 14 goals respectively.
Swifts with a solid win on the road
At Balmoral Recreation Reserve, the Swifts defeated Harrow Balmoral by 13 points.
The Swifts led by one goal at quarter time and then got the ascendancy in the last three quarters to run out 51-38 point winners.
Rebbekkah Seary scored 29 goals for the Swifts with Lisa Monaghan and Michaela Armer continuing their great seasons to be best on the court through the midcourt and attack respectively.
Tori Dunstan scored 25 goals for the Southern Roos in a spirited performance by the team with Emily Langley and Megan Little among the better players.
Southern Roos coach Emily Langley said it was disappointing to be up there and not get the win again, but will take a lot of positives from the match.
"Our fourth quarter we set a goal to win it and we did, so I am pretty happy about that," Langley said.
"We are keeping the positivity and just need to keep hunting the ball and be consistent over four quarters and a win will come."
Langley highlighted Edwina Lees down back as one of their best and when asked about Tara McIntyre playing a new role in wing attack, said she has adapted well.
"Edwina played a brilliant game and fought after the ball, listened and got in and had a crack which is what we want to do," Langley said.
"Tara is feeding the ball well. As she has been in attack all of her career, she knows where to put the ball and spacing and she is doing a good job in a position she doesn't play normally."
Saints move to fifth with a win over Natimuk
At Edenhope Recreation Reserve, the reigning premiers defeated Natimuk by 11 points. Lavinia Fox was brilliant for the Saints with 35 goals whilst Krystal De Jong was solid through the midcourt in the 48-37 point win.
Emma Uebergang shone again in her second senior game to score 27 points for the Rams and was one of their best players with Danielle Hanson.