Netball
7 July, 2025
Rupanyup and Laharum prevail in competitive clashes
A Grade netball’s top two sides, Rupanyup and Laharum, overcame strong first-half efforts from their opponents to claim wins on Saturday in round 12 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Playing at home, Laharum had to overcome a determined Harrow Balmoral outfit, trailing early before eventually taking a 37-26 victory.
Strong defensive pressure and impressive midcourt play gave the Southern Roos the edge early on, going up 9-7 at the first break.
Some missed opportunities on goal proved costly for the visitors as Laharum took advantage of their own opportunities to take the lead and go up 20-13 at halftime.
But Harrow Balmoral remained a constant threat throughout, staying within reach of Laharum before the reigning premiers closed it out late in the game.
Defensive duo Emalie Iredell and Rebecca McIntyre impressed for Laharum, while Megan Little and Rori Mason were immense for Harrow Balmoral in defence as well.
Goalshooter Courtney Taylor banked in 20 of Laharum’s goals, while Emily Langley led Harrow Balmoral with 16.
Langley, coach of Harrow Balmoral, was pleased with the team’s efforts, acknowledging the team’s missed chances in the goal circle.
“The girls played some great netball, particularly in defence and in the centre,” Langley said.
“Unfortunately, our goals just maybe didn't drop when they should have, and Laharum were able to capitalise on that.”
Amidst a string of losses, Langley is pleased with the team’s connectiveness, particularly through the midcourt.
“There’s been a huge improvement and just a great team link,” Langley said.
“Our centre in Bec Francis and Maddi Uebergang in wing attack, they’ve just clicked really well, and you can see the improvement to where our attack line is now.”
Elsewhere, Rupanyup defeated the in-form Noradjuah Quantong Bombers 47-33, but the Panthers were certainly put to the test throughout the game.
Similarly to the Laharum-Harrow Balmoral game, both sides gave little away early on, with the Bombers taking an 11-9 lead at the first break before entering halftime up 19-18.
But key interchanges from Rupanyup throughout the game proved crucial, with the Panthers’ pressure triggering mistakes from the Bombers, giving the league leaders a 33-28 lead at the third-quarter break.
Rupanyup built on their momentum in the last quarter to end with a 14-goal win.
Holly Ross and Georgia Hiscock were the best players for Rupanyup, while Taya Quick and Jayne Tucker starred for Noradjuha Quantong.
Quick led all scorers for the game with 23 goals, while Bianca Drum slotted 17 for Rupanyup.
Before the game, Georgia Hiscock, coach of Rupanyup, highlighted how rotating players through different positions is helping improve the team.
“It’s been one of our key goals to build a versatile team, and we’re really embracing that,” Hiscock said.
“We’re still rotating players through different positions, sometimes roles they haven’t played in a long time, or at all, and that flexibility will continue to be a strength for us moving forward.”
In other round 12 clashes, Edenhope Apsley fought off the Swifts in a hard-fought 58-45 win, elevating them to third; Taylors Lake led Pimpinio all the way to win 47-34, and Natimuk defeated Kaniva Leeor 43-35.