Sport
30 July, 2025
Thunder defy storm day
On a wet and windy morning in Jeparit, the 13 and under girls' Thunder team took on Ararat in challenging conditions.
The team started slowly, adjusting to the slippery court, but quickly found their rhythm, scoring the first five goals before Ararat could respond.
The defensive trio of Amelia, Pippa F and Elka applied excellent pressure, disrupting Ararat’s play and getting numerous touches on the ball.
By quarter-time, Thunder led 8–1.
The second quarter saw Emma and Layla Chivell rotate on, showing great development with several intercepts, strong leads, and effective feeds into the goal circle.
Their efforts helped extend the lead, with a half-time score of 16–2 in Thunder’s favour.
In the second half the girls remained composed despite the tough weather.
Pippa S and Sophie delivered sharp feeds to the goalies, while Felicity and Ava – the dynamic duo – were instrumental in goals.
Despite the persistent wind and rain, the team rebounded, intercepted strongly and converted turnovers consistently.
A fantastic all-round performance saw the Thunder girls come away with a dominant 33-7 win over Ararat.
Final score: SM Thunder 33 defeated Ararat 7
Awards: Bow Bakery Award – Felicity Keller; Lanes & Games Award – Elka Huf; Coach's Award – Layla Chivell
Under 15s
The much-welcomed rain brought more than just relief from the dry – it brought out the best in our Thunder 15s girls, who delivered an outstanding team performance on court.
Facing Ararat once again, we knew it would be a challenge.
The last time we met we were mercied in the fourth quarter, going down by over 40 goals.
This time we fought hard and closed the gap significantly, finishing just 11 goals behind.
What a massive improvement.
It’s a true testament to the grit, determination and teamwork shown by every single player.
You should all be incredibly proud.
A special mention goes out to Addi Fisher and Amaya Eckermann, who are off on their leadership journey for term 3 – we wish you all the best and know you’ll do great.
And safe travels to Lilly Puckle and her family as they head off to explore the west coast of Australia – enjoy the adventure.
Final score: Ararat 32 defeated SM Thunder 21
Awards: Western Vic Waste Towel – Giaan Eckermann; Warrack Electrical Award – Ruby Tregenza
Well done, Thunder 15s — what a game.
Under 17s
The girls came out for a fight , not letting the Rats get an easy win, losing 27-66.
The girls showed so much improvement from the last time they faced Ararat.
They had some beautiful plays and kept defensive pressure over every single ball.
The girls had the joy of welcoming Olivia Moore for her first game in under 17s and definitely didn’t disappoint her.
Best went to Lilly Heron, who had arms over every single ball and worked hard in the defensive end to get as many intercepts and turnovers as possible.
Taylor Hauselberger played an amazing game in the mid court, looking for every option possible to get the ball straight into the ring.
Rachael Camilleri came away with the third award, working amazingly within the goal ring to get some goals herself and support her partner, Phoebe Bigham.
Final score: Ararat 66 defeated SM Thunder 27
Awards: Rachel Camilleri, Taylor Hauselberger, Lilly Heron
C grade
Round 14 saw some much-needed wet conditions for the district as we faced Ararat at Jeparit.
Despite the dreary weather, the C grade girls were pumped up and ready to hit the ground running.
It was a very close game right through with not much of a shift either way.
Bronte, Rachael and Kim worked seamlessly in the attacking end providing some beautiful connecting plays.
Luca and Hailey had their springs on in the defensive goal circle, snagging rebounds and intercepts left, right and centre.
The third quarter saw the insertion of Ebony Spokes in her first game in the Thunder dress after two years off, looking like she hadn’t missed a game.
It came down to the wire and was goal for goal in the final term.
We thought we’d come away with a draw but unfortunately the scoreboard was wrong and we'd gone down 27-28.
Although a disappointing result the game was a really positive show of netball in some seriously trying conditions.
Final score: Ararat 28 defeated SM Thunder 27
Awards: Hailey Yorke, Kim Decker
B grade
A wet and wild-weathered day had the B grade girls eager to give the Rats another crack after just falling short in round five.
Madde Shannon's late-season comeback had everyone wondering whether she ever stopped playing, with relentless rebounding and pressure in the defensive end.
Utilising the rolling sub, fresh and dry legs coming on the court kept the Thunder's intensity high throughout the game.
The Rats' accurate shooting and feeding was challenging to contend with.
However, quick turnovers and channelling down the court kept the Thunder within reach.
Puddles and slippery conditions slowed the play, forcing more measured and controlled movement, attack, and precision.
Versatility allowed for changes to be made to switch the momentum, seeing Tia Credlin put the defensive bib back on and Shelby Donnan stepping back into the shooting circle.
Despite incredible effort and determination from all players, an agonising one-goal loss was taken, assuring another good hitout against the Saints next week.
Final score: Ararat 36 defeated SM Thunder 35
Awards: Tia Credlin, Macey Huf
A grade
In a gripping netball clash under challenging conditions, Thunder hosted Ararat at Jeparit on a cold, rainy Saturday.
With Ararat sitting fourth on the ladder and Thunder fifth, the stage was set for a tight contest, and it didn’t disappoint as Thunder scraped home with a nail-biting 43-40 victory.
The home side started strongly, adapting well to the wet weather and building a solid lead in the first half through composed play and smart ball movement.
Thunder’s defence held firm, limiting Ararat’s scoring opportunities despite the conditions.
However, Ararat mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, closing the gap with aggressive drives and accurate shooting that put real pressure on the hosts.
The final quarter was a test of nerves, with Thunder showing remarkable poise when it mattered most.
They maintained their structure, made crucial intercepts and converted key goals to hold off Ararat’s late surge, securing the win as the final whistle blew.
It was a true team effort from Thunder, with every player contributing in the face of adversity.
Best on court were Abby White, whose defensive prowess disrupted Ararat’s attacks throughout, and Emma Mill, who shone in attack with steady goal-scoring under pressure.
This hard-fought win boosts Thunder’s momentum as they leapfrog Ararat to now sit fourth on the ladder, while Ararat drop to fifth.
Final score: SM Thunder 43 defeated Ararat 40
Awards: Abby White, Emma Mill
