Netball
22 July, 2025
Natimuk defeat Noradjuha Quantong in thriller
Natimuk United’s A grade netball side made it five wins in a row as they defeated Noradjuha Quantong in a nailbiter on Saturday in round 14 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Rams’ 46-44 win heightens the race for the last finals spot, with the Bombers ahead of Natimuk on percentage as both sides now have seven wins each.
The game was a tight encounter from the outset, with little separating both teams as Natimuk took a 13-12 lead at quarter-time.
Noradjuha Quantong put in a strong second quarter to lead 26-23 at half-time, but Natimuk reduced the deficit to one goal (36-35) entering the final quarter.
The Bombers got a five-goal lead early in the fourth, but relentless defence and clutch shooting from the Rams proved pivotal in retaking the lead and closing out the game in the final minutes.
Emma Uebergang had another strong performance in goals for Natimuk, scoring 38 goals, while Shannon Couch led Noradjuha Quantong with 26.
Olivia Sudholz was a standout performer for the victors, while Taylor Shelley defended strongly for the Bombers.
Di Hayes, coach of Natimuk, was ecstatic to get the victory in the enthralling game.
“It was a fantastic game, a really competitive game, and to come away with the win is unreal,” Hayes said.
Asked about what pushed Natimuk over the line in the final quarter, Hayes acknowledged that a tactical change paid off.
“So we made a few changes at the third-quarter break,” Hayes said.
“Sometimes you've got to take a little bit of risk and to hopefully turn it in your favour.
“Jo Taylor, a brilliant netballer in her day, I switched her into goal keeper, and her presence out there was definitely welcomed.”
Hayes also emphasised teamwork and belief as a critical factor in Natimuk’s win and recent form, while also acknowledging the performance of Olivia Sudholz.
“You can’t do anything without your own team backing you,” Hayes said.
“Having that team support and backing of each other gets us over in these important matches.
“One girl who has stepped up recently is Olivia Sudholz – she stepped into goal defence this week with Keeta Scown being out.
“She just listens to everything you have to offer and she has been flying.”
The result is a drastic change from their round three matchup earlier this year, a 56-28 Noradjuha Quantong win, demonstrating Natimuk’s in-season improvement.
The Rams, Bombers and Swifts are now in a hotly contested race for a top-five position to get into finals.
At Pimpinio, Laharum defeated the Tigers 57-39, but not before a first-half challenge from the home side.
The young Pimpinio side showed their intent early, keeping up with the reigning premiers to be locked at 14-14 at quarter-time.
Laharum capitalised on some missed opportunities from the Tigers to go up 27-24 at half-time before consolidating their lead and securing the match in the second half.
In other round 14 A grade netball games, Edenhope Apsley went one step further towards securing a top-three finish with a 65-35 victory over Kaniva Leeor, and Kalkee bounced back from last week’s loss to defeat Harrow Balmoral 59-20.