Netball
27 May, 2024
Undermanned Demons win thriller
Laharum won a two-goal thriller over Edenhope Apsley at Edenhope Recreation Reserve on Saturday in round seven of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Demons were missing Ema and Maddison Iredell along with Mel Russell, and it didn't phase them as they faced a rampaging Saints outfit, who led by one goal at quarter time.
The game remained close, going goal-for-goal in the second quarter as scores were tied 24 apiece at halftime.
In the third quarter, Laharum started to get the ascendancy, scoring 14 goals to 11 to take a three-goal lead into the last break.
The Saints battled hard, but it was the Demons hanging on to win 47-45.
For the Demons, Caitlin Story continues her amazing season, scoring 38 goals with Ashlea Bylsma named their best on the court after playing a great role in defence.
For the Saints, Lavinia Fox scored 30 goals with Tahlia Sailor on 15.
Demons coach Rebecca McIntyre said it was a tough game.
"It was a close game throughout and went goal for goal for a lot of it," McIntyre said.
"It was a great game to play and it was a hot day as well, and everyone competed well.
"They had a young team as well and towards the end of the game, I think our experience got us over the line as myself, Caitlin and Olivia Jones Story rallied and took the young girls with us."
McIntyre was also proud of all the girls stepping up and taking their chances, highlighting two that stepped up from B-grade in Sophie Quick and Ashlea Bylsma.
"They both came in and didn't look out of place and grabbed the opportunity with both hands which I am so grateful for," McIntyre said.
"Everyone else also stepped up and played well and it's good to see that we have this depth. That is a really big thing because when it comes to finals, depth is what wins it and we have 10 girls that can fill roles and give us a lot of options.
"Not only that, but these girls that played are the future of the team so they will gain valuable experience from the opportunities they are given and it will make them stronger and they can take that back to B-grade and that will help push others."
Bombers bounce back
Following two consecutive losses, Noradjuha Quantong bounced back to defeat Pimpinio by 24 goals at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
The Tigers brought the heat in the first quarter trailing by one goal at quarter time. It was an 18-goal blitz in the second quarter by the Bombers, however, that set up the win as they led by 15 goals at half time.
They ran out the game in the second half, scoring another 25 goals to 16 to win 53-29.
Taylor Shelley was outstanding for the Bombers with 45 goals with Yolanda Molineaux excellent as goalkeeper.
For the Tigers, Holly Ross continued her tremendous season down back with Steph Runciman also great in defence whilst Lana Ellis scored 11 goals.
Bombers coach Fiona Rowe said Shelley was amazing.
"She can play both ends and is a strong player under the post and causes some trouble with the opposition and we are very lucky to have her," Rowe said.
"Yolanda is our strong consistent defender and is always the motivator for the team. She rebounds and was strong underneath the goal ring and it's lovely to see her playing well."
Tigers coach Jayde Ellis said they lacked consistency and praised Ada Binney and Tahnee Brown for their performances.
"We had some good defensive pressure and fast passages of play which was nice, but the lack of consistency over four quarters let us down," Ellis said.
"Ada and Tahnee are two of our younger ones and both played well, Ada in goals with 10 and Tahnee with her defensive pressure at wing defence."
Panthers pounce on another win
Rupanyup held off a spirited Harrow Balmoral at Harrow Recreation Reserve, extending their winning streak to four games with a 19-goal win.
The Southern Roos challenged early to trail by two points at quarter time and were still in the game at half time, even though the Panthers extended the lead to eight goals.
The Panthers toughed it out in the third to extend the margin to 13 points at the last break before running out the game to win 56-37.
Zanaiya Bergen scored 30 goals for the Panthers with Tori Dunstan scoring 22 for the Southern Roos.
Panthers coach Jedda Heard said the Roos played well and highlighted Gemma Morgan and Ilze Van Zyl as their standouts.
"The Roos had a good game and it was good for them to play that well, so it's a credit to them," Heard said.
"Gemma played well and had a few intercepts through the midcourt which was handy, and it's important to have a good wing defence.
"Our debut player, Ilze, came up from the under-15s and went into goal defence in the beginning and played well. She is very quick and used that speed to get around which confused them a bit and she will be a great addition to our A-grade team moving forward."
Southern Roos coach Emily Langley said the girls are improving and were in good spirits after the game.
"Considering how strong their team is, we can take a lot from the match and we are definitely improving and I am impressed with the girls supporting each other," Langley said.
"We had much better movement in attack and our defensive end was strong again. It was a good game of netball.
"Edwina Lees did some huge work as goalkeeper. Playing on someone a foot taller than her, she put in a lot of effort and rebounded well."
"Febey McLure running through the centre put in a huge amount of work and that hasn't gone unnoticed either."
Swifts win thriller
The Swifts defeated Natimuk by four points at Natimuk Showgrounds. They got off to a good start to lead by three goals at quarter time with Natimuk fighting back in the second to take a two-goal lead at half time.
The third quarter was tight with the Swifts gaining the lead again, to have a four-goal lead at three-quarter time. They held that advantage in the last to win 39-35.
Edwina Flakemore was the best player for the Swifts in defence with Rebbekkah Seeary scoring another 30 goals.
For the Rams, Emily Hateley through the centre and Keeta Scown in defence were their best with Emma Uebergang scoring 26 goals.
Kees with a convincing win over the Lakers
Kalkee defeated Taylors Lake by 38 goals at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve. After a tight first quarter, leading by three goals, Kalkee drew clear in the second and remained that way to win 68-30.
Jarrah Martin scored 28 goals for the Kees with Penny Fisher outstanding in defence alongside Molly Lakin.
For the Lakers, Tayla Eltze scored 19 goals with Chloe Kelm again excellent through the midcourt.