Netball
19 August, 2024
Warriors on verge of finals after epic final quarter performance
The Stawell Warriors have put themselves in a firm position to play in the finals after defeating the Southern Mallee Thunder by four goals in a thriller at Central Park on Saturday in round 17 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Both sides entered the game equal on points, alongside Minyip Murtoa, with only percentage separating the three sides. The game was hot early, with the Warriors taking a slender three-goal lead into quarter-time.
The Thunder put the pressure on in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to one goal at half-time.
It was goal-for-goal early in the third, but the Thunder got away to take a four-goal lead into the last break.
With the home crowd behind them and coach Jemma Clarkson urging them on at three-quarter time, the team lifted in the last quarter with some valuable interceptions and ran out 51-47 winners after trailing by six goals early in the quarter.
Ayva Mitchell scored 36 goals in the win, and Meg Walker was outstanding in defence, contributing to a handful of turnovers.
Sydney Thorogood led the Thunder with 25 goals, Steph Thomson added 22, and Abby White was an important player down back.
Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson said the girls were overjoyed with the win.
"It was a very important win, and it's really exciting for the girls as we have put ourselves in a good position to play in the finals," Clarkson said.
"It was a super close game all day, and everyone was just playing really good netball out on the court.
"All the girls did a great job, and we used the rolling sub well as the conditions got pretty warm, so giving girls a quick five minutes here and there worked, and it was a good team effort from everyone."
"It didn't look like it was going our way, but we got a few intercepts late in the game through Madi Taylor, Ebony Summers, and Meg Walker, and the whole team lifted, and we were able to convert the turnovers into goals."
"Everyone did their job when they needed to, and we pulled together as a team, which was pleasing to see."
When asked about Clarkson's message at three-quarter-time, she reflected on how hard they worked during the year.
"I just reminded the girls how hard we have worked all year and highlighted the things we have done well and how great it would be to play a final in Stawell, as that is where the elimination final will be held," Clarkson said.
"I reminded them how much we wanted to win this and told them to go out and play hard netball and give it all they have, as it could be the difference between finishing our season next week or in a few weeks' time."
Clarkson was thrilled with Ayva Mitchell's performance. In a finals-like game, the 15-year-old scored her most goals in a game this season when it mattered most.
"Ayva stepped it up a level yesterday, and her confidence on the court was brilliant," Clarkson said.
"She demanded the ball, wanted it, got it, and, more importantly, converted.
"She will play a lot of senior netball in the years to come, and for her to hold her nerves and keep her head, especially in the final few moments, showed experience beyond her years."
Saints celebrate Hallam's 100th in style
Great defence from Maddison Bethune and Elly Barnett and a solid shooting display from Jorja Clode guided the Horsham Saints to a massive 31-goal win over Dimboola at the Dimboola Recreation Reserve in round 17 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Clode shot 56 goals in the win, not missing a beat since returning from injury three games ago, with the win the icing on the cake for Abby Hallam, who played her 100th game, shooting 21 goals.
The Saints stormed out of the gate, shooting 22 goals in the first quarter to take a ten-goal lead into quarter-time. The Roos fought back in the second, outscoring the Saints to reduce the deficit to 14 goals at the main break.
A 17-goal third quarter saw the Saints extend the margin to 21 points at the last break before a 16-goal to six final quarter saw them run out 77-46 winners.
Olivia Beugelaar was Dimboola's best with 22 goals, and Olivia Lehmann was excellent at wing defence.
Saints coach Jess Cannane was happy they are getting things set in stone for finals.
"The last few weeks have been for us trying to make sure we are ready to come to the finals, and it's pleasing to get a big win like that against a solid team," Cannane said.
"We tried a few different combinations in defence, and it didn't look like we made changes as things moved smoothly, and Maddison [Bethune] is going from strength to strength and with the guidance of Elly [Barnett] next to her, she is blossoming.
"Add to that Jorja Clode, who doesn't look like she has missed a beat-up forward. She was a cat on a hot tin roof when she missed those games through injury as she was keen to get back into it, and it's pleasing to see her back, shooting well, getting stronger and trusting her body, and it's a handy sign lining up for finals."
Tigers with a handy win over Ararat
At Davis Park, Nhill had a comfortable 35-goal win over Ararat. The young Rats took it up to the Tigers early, but the more experienced, bigger-body Tigers drew away to lead by 11 goals at quarter-time.
They extended that margin to 16 at half-time before a brutal third quarter saw the margin blow out to 27 goals.
The last quarter was a formality, as the Tigers didn't let up, winning 65-30.
Ruby James scored 29 goals for the Tigers, and Emma Beer shot 23. Jesse Bligh shot 17 goals for the Rats.
Demons reclaim top spot with massive win
47-goals to Imogen Worthy have helped guide the Horsham Demons to a 52-goal win over the Warrack Eagles at Horsham City Oval.
Going into the round, just separated by percentage from the Horsham Saints, the Demons got off to a fast start to lead by 11 goals at quarter-time.
The Demons were brutal in the second quarter, restricting the Eagles to two goals. They extended their lead to 26 goals at the main break.
The Demons' defence was strong. They only allowed four more goals in the third quarter, and they led by 40 goals at the final break.
The Eagles scored 10 goals in the last, showing good fight, but it was a formality for the Demons, running out 75-23 winners.
Georgia Batson shot 28 goals for the Demons, and Romi Miller had a standout game in goal defence.
Lauren Clyne scored 10 goals for the Eagles, and Jordan Heller and Charlie Inkster were the Eagles best playing in defence.
With one round to go, the Saints can still reclaim the top spot, as they are only 7% behind. They play Nhill, and the Demons play the Southern Mallee Thunder, who are fighting for a finals spot.