Sport
5 June, 2026
Eagles account for Thunder in low-scoring game
It didn't just rain, it poured, as the Eagles lined up against the Thunder on Saturday in A grade Wimmera Football Netball League netball.
The conditions kept the game low scoring, with the final result 28 to 21 in favour of Warrack, who were buoyed by having former Australian Diamond Eloise Southby-Halbish looking on from the sidelines.
Eagles coach Sarah Spicer said conditions were less than favourable and certainly affected the skills demonstrated during the hitout.
Briodi McKenzie scored the first goal for the Eagles before her offsider, Lauren Clyne, found the net, giving their side an early lead.
Phoebe Bigham and Kierra Schumann both put up shots for the Thunder but missed, and it wasn't until the Eagles had moved to seven that Southern Mallee were able to score, with Bigham making a shot nearly half way through the quarter.
The Thunder were able to even the game up a bit before the end of the first quarter, going into the intermission just a couple of goals down, eight to 10.
Scores remained close in the quarter before half-time, with the gap at the big break just three to the advantage of the Eagles, 16 to 13.
Quarter three brought even but limited scoring and a lot of rain, with the game at 19 to 16, Warrack's way, heading into the final term.
Spicer said despite having plenty of the ball in this quarter, they couldn't convert as accurately because of the weather.
As conditions eased, goals flowed a bit more, with the Eagles' goalies adding nine to their score in the final quarter and the Thunder five.
Spicer said it was pleasing to get the win and to have her side finish off the game strongly.
Likewise, she said, it was great to have the expertise and knowledge of Southby-Halbish courtside.
"It was amazing to have Eloise on the side," Spicer said.
"She certainly gave us plenty of advice and the team really took it on.
"We also got a lot out of having Rahni Samason at training on Thursday.
"It's been a great week at the Eagles with these opportunities and they both gave us an insight into training at the (Melbourne) Vixens and keeping it simple."
Each side used numerous goal shooters during the course of the game, with McKenzie (seven goals), Lauren Clyne (20) and Nicola Clyne (one) keeping the score ticking over for the Eagles, and Bigham (17), Luca Landrigan (three) and Schumann (one) doing the same for the Thunder.
Better players for the Eagles were captain Emma Koschitzke (centre) and Isabella Orszulak (predominantly goal defence), while best on court for the Eagles were captain Connie Rule (goal keeper) and Sydney Thorogood (goal defence).
Spicer said Orszulak was named MVP by both Southby-Halbish and Netball Victoria.
"She was strong at GD, limiting their GA and strong on rebounds or high balls," Spicer said.
"Emma Koschitzke played another solid four-quarter game at centre.
"She's a great leader on court for us and doesn't stop in attack."