Netball
5 August, 2024
Thunder storm back into finals contention
The Southern Mallee Thunder has stormed back into finals contention with an impressive 11-goal win over Dimboola at the Dimboola Recreation Reserve in round 15 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, the Thunder came out hard in the first quarter, taking it up to the third-placed side, trailing by two goals at quarter-time.
A 13-to-9 goal quarter saw the Thunder take a two-goal lead into halftime. It was goal-for-goal early in the third quarter before the Thunder slowly started to get away, extending the margin to six at three-quarter time.
The Thunder piled on 20 more goals in the last to run out 60-49 winners.
Codie Robins was brilliant at wing attack for the Thunder, providing a lot of drive to help set up the dangerous forwards who were on fire.
Steph Thomson continued her brilliant form with 39 goals, and Sydney Thorogood scored 21.
Nicole Polycarpou scored 24 goals for Dimboola, and Olivia Beugelaar scored 18.
Thunder coach Steph Thomson was ecstatic with the win.
"We had a very good game, and it was unexpected in a way, but everyone played well and did their role," Thomson said.
"We had a hard training session during the week, and we discussed things such as being able to put four quarters together and having a better mindset. It worked; it all came together, which was pleasing to see.
"It was pretty much even during the game, and we had a good last quarter, kept level-headed, and everything worked out. We were able to convert the intercepts into goals."
Thomson is happy with how well they are shooting at the moment.
"Sydney and I are working well together, and when we move Sydney out of goals, Abby White can also chip in. We have a good connection going now, which is pleasing."
Burras continue momentum with massive victory
Minyip Murtoa has won their third consecutive game, defeating Ararat by 35 goals at Minyip Recreation Reserve.
The Burras were relentless early, scoring 18 goals to take an 11-goal lead into quarter-time. They scored 16 goals in the second to lead by 17 at the main break.
After half-time, the Burras kept their momentum, scoring 17 goals to lead by 24 at the final break before running out 69-34 winners.
Kirby Knight and Claire Mackay scored 36 and 28 goals, respectively, in the win. Lauren Dodgshun continued her brilliant season down back, being named best on the court. Taylor Forster was excellent in defence in the first half before moving to wing attack in the second, providing a lot of drive.
Jesse Bligh scored 15 goals for the Rats. Julia Harricks was also excellent up forward, scoring 10 goals, and Demi Bligh was excellent in defence.
Burras coach Kirby Knight said capitalising on turnovers has been a focus in the last few weeks.
"The last three weeks, we have spoken about a consistent game and also capitalising on our turnovers when we get them. Even if we do turn it over ourselves, it's about moving on and not dwelling on it and trying to get the ball back," Knight said.
"We need to develop that netball and execute consistent four quarters."
Knight was pleased with everyone but spoke about Lauren Dodgshun and Taylor Forster.
"Lauren is a pillar in our defence and is the tallest player we have on the team and works really well with the girls and can bring a steady, calm head," Knight said.
"We have been working well with combinations down there and she is starting to come out of her shell and contest the ball down there.
"Taylor led from the front and communicated extensively, and it was important that she could swing from defence to attack."
Tigers comfortably defeat the Eagles
At Davis Park, Nhill cruised to a 29-goal win over the Warrack Eagles. The Tigers came out of the blocks firing to lead by 10 goals at quarter-time. The Eagles stayed with them in the second, with the Tigers only managing to extend the lead by three more goals to 13 at the main break.
An 18-6 goal quarter saw the Tigers run away with the game, with a commanding 25-goal lead at three-quarter-time. The Eagles battled hard in the last quarter, but ultimately, the Tigers ran out 63-34 winners.
Ruby James and Emma Beer shared scoring around for the Tigers with 32 and 31 goals, respectively.
Nicola Clyne continued her great form for the Eagles, scoring 16 goals, with Sarah Marchment chipping in with 13.
Warriors fight hard against the Demons
At Central Park, Stawell fought hard against the Demons, with the ladder leaders winning by 22 goals.
With a finals spot on the line, and percentage crucial, the Warriors came out hard against the Demons, trailing by 10 goals at quarter-time and only 12 at the main break.
It was goal-for-goal in the third quarter as the Warriors battled valiantly to only trail by 13 goals at the final break.
The Warriors still pressured hard early in the final quarter, but the Demons scored 14-to-5 goals to run out 60-38 winners.
Imogen Worthy scored 36 goals for the Demons, with Georgia Batson contributing 24. Georgie Carberry was sensational in wing attack, and Keely Pope was solid in wing defence.
Ayva Mitchell scored 22 goals for the Warriors, and Ebony Summers scored 16, providing a lot of spark in the attack. Rachel Wood was great throughout the midcourt.