Netball
22 May, 2025
Edenhope stifle Natimuk
Edenhope Apsley’s A grade netball side delivered a commanding performance to defeat Natimuk United in round six of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Playing away at Natimuk Showgrounds Recreation Reserve, Edenhope Apsley held a tight 13-10 lead after the first quarter, before finding their groove to lead 30-17 at half-time.
Despite a spirited third quarter from Natimuk, Edenhope contained them to just four goals in the fourth quarter to finish with a 53-31 win.
Lavinia Fox, playing coach of Edenhope Apsley, was happy with the consistency from her team.
“Our main goal against Natimuk was to take it quarter-by-quarter, be consistent and get a nice win to boost our percentage,” Fox said.
“We’re really pleased with the win.”
Fox praised the defensive combination of Olivia Spence and the newly elevated Danielle Grindlay as the catalyst for the team’s dominant second quarter.
“We’re a big team defensively so that’s been our main focus, and we’ve elevated a player into our A grade side who’s had good success in B grade, Danielle Grindlay,” Fox said.
“I think in the second quarter, the combination between her and Olivia Spence, those two were causing disruption to their (Natimuk’s) attack and getting some rejections and it was really impressive to watch.
“At our attack end, we were able to convert those intercepts and deflections.”
The Edenhope coach also commended the team’s youngsters for stepping up in recent games.
“We have two girls who are also eligible for 17s who are playing A grade and it was really nice to see them shine yesterday,” Fox said in reflection on Sunday.
“Holly Whitehead and Jasmine McIntyre both had an opportunity to play in centre and wing together and I just really loved that opportunity to see them develop on court and build their confidence.”
Edenhope are hoping that Saturday’s game serves as a blueprint for the team when they return from a round seven bye.
“In previous games we've usually had one quarter where we've a bit of a lull, so I was impressed by our consistency across the four quarters,” Fox said.
In other results, the Swifts overcame Harrow Balmoral in a tight contest, prevailing 42-37, second-placed Rupanyup defeated Taylors Lake 59-25, defending champions Laharum beat Noradjuha Quantong 41-28, and Kalkee solidified their third place on the ladder with a strong 59-24 win over Kaniva Leeor.