Netball
3 June, 2025
Natimuk stun reigning premiers
Natimuk United’s produced A grade netball’s upset of the year as they defeated league leaders Laharum 43-39 in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday.
The game was hotly contested throughout, with both sides unable to be separated at each of the quarter-time intervals, entering the final quarter 32-32.
But Natimuk were too strong for Laharum, prevailing to earn their second win of the season.
Di Hayes, coach of Natrimuk, was ecstatic with the result.
“It felt absolutely fantastic to win,” Hayes said.
“I was so, so happy with how the girls played as a team, and they just backed each other and everyone contributed.
“I respect they had a couple of their players out but at the end of the day, for my girls to just lift to that next level and play against some very good players and win is absolutely unreal.”
Emalie and Maddison Iredell were two of Laharum’s key players missing from the game.
Natimuk goalshooter Tara McIntyre was named the Indigenous Round most valuable player of the game with 26 goals.
She and goalkeeper Ebony Rintoule were the best players for the victors.
For Laharum, Courtney Taylor and Olivia Jones were the best players, with Taylor also scoring 26 goals of her own.
Hayes credited her team for their composure and belief in the final quarter.
“They were so in the moment and encouraging to one another,” Hayes said.
“All I said was 'Keep this intensity up and keep the pressure on' and they could really sense that feeling of 'We could do this'."
Hayes struggled to single out individual efforts in what was a comprehensive team performance.
“I couldn't give my coach's award yesterday because I just was so pleased with every single one of them,” Hayes said.
“It was great to have Emily Hateley back in – she provided a lot of experience and steadiness in the attack end.
“Phoebe Sudholz started in wing attack, she also played 17s, and I thought she played great when she was on.”
In other round eight results, Kaniva Leeor defeated Pimpinio 38-33, Noradjuha Quantong beat Harrow Balmoral 38-26, Rupanyup came from behind to defeat Kalkee 50-41 and Edenhope Apsley returned from their round-seven bye with a strong 58-35 win over Taylors Lake.