Netball
22 April, 2026
Cougars continue positive start
Kaniva Leeor United’s A grade netball side have announced themselves as a team to watch, recording their second straight win with a 60-46 victory over Natimuk United on Saturday April 18.
Among other results, Noradjuha Quantong, Laharum and Edenhope Apsley also registered consecutive wins.
Playing their round-two fixture at Natimuk Showgrounds, the home side got a five-goal lead early in the game before the Cougars cut the deficit to two (15-13) by quarter-time.
Down 19-16 early in the second quarter, Kaniva Leeor quickly took control of the game with their defensive disruption and clean entries into the goal circle, going on a 14-3 run to lead 30-23 at half-time.
Despite an improved quarter from the Rams, the visitors maintained their stronghold on the game, with goal shooter Abby Croft helping to extend the lead to 45-34 by the final break.
Six straight goals midway through the final quarter cemented the win for the Cougars, eventually winning by 14.
Abby Croft was one of the players of the game, finishing with 50 goals from 63 attempts, while teammate Nikki Hawker finished with 10 from 15.
Amidst a solid team performance across the board for the visitors, Ellen Bennett had a strong performance in goal defence.
For Natimuk, Stacey Hopwood shot 25 from 32 and Emma Uebergang had 21 from 28, while Bethany Sudholz was one of the team’s best, playing at goal defence.
Cougars coach Kylie King said she was very pleased with how her side continued to progress on both sides of the ball throughout the game.
“I’m really happy with the way they came out and attacked the ball today,” King said.
“We've been working hard at training on the defensive pressure that they applied today, as well as creating those connections in attack, and we went out there and wanted to have an impact today and I think they did really well.
“We’ve talked about making sure we can keep that connection up and that ball movement for four full quarters.
“I think they kept building strength and strength, quarter in, quarter out, rather than petering out at the end of the game.”
The Kaniva Leeor coach praised Croft’s performance and her impressive return to the court after almost two years out.
“She's come back from an ACL heartbreak in 2024 which ended her season very early on and then she didn't have surgery until late in 2024,” King said.
“She's returned to the game this year and hasn't looked back.
“She's rehabbed really well, and she can play both defence and attack.
“Last week she started in defence, went back into goals, and then we decided to play her for the full game in goals today and it turned out to be a good decision.
“She's shooting really, really beautifully and combining well in goals with Nikki.”
Among the other A grade results, Noradjuha Quantong overcame Harrow Balmoral 43-23.
Ashlee Morrish led the side with 30 goals while Leah Mirtschin and Holly Nuske had strong performances in defence and the midcourt, respectively.
For the Southern Roos, Mia Rees led the side with 11 goals while Rebecca Francis and Chloe Langley were among the side’s best.
At Cameron Oval, Laharum continued their strong start to the season with a 64-33 victory over Pimpinio.
The shooting combination of Ilze Van Zyl (38 from 50) and Caitlin Jones-Story (26 from 38) backed up their round-one performances, while Jaspa Robinson restricted the Tigers on the defensive end.
For Pimpinio, Mikayla Dumesny led the side with 13 goals as Keely Pope and Ruby Williams were among the side’s best performers.
After having the round-one bye, Kalkee started their season in style with a comprehensive 62-22 victory over Taylors Lake at home.
Jarrah Martin and Isobelle Schorback scored 25 and 23 goals, respectively, for the Kees, with recruit Tamika Mentha and Emily Polack producing great performances.
For the Lakers, Tayla Eltze led the side with 16 goals and Kayla Kelm had an impressive performance in the midcourt.
At Edenhope, the Saints proved too strong for Rupanyup in the grand final rematch, winning 54-28.
Stepping in for Dee Dee Lambert, Olivia Spence finished with 27 goals, Lavinia Fox had 19 and Jasmine McIntyre impressed at both centre and goal defence.
For the Panthers, Phoebe Downer finished with 19 goals while midcourters Gemma Morgan and Caitlin Kreuzberger were among the team’s best.
