Sport
10 August, 2023
Giants enjoy strong day on court
Diversion can be something that takes you off the course you are on, like a detour while you are travelling or a game of netball that takes you away from the stress of work. Sixteen weeks of writing this column and many examples of diversion have...
Diversion can be something that takes you off the course you are on, like a detour while you are travelling or a game of netball that takes you away from the stress of work.
Sixteen weeks of writing this column and many examples of diversion have been used to lighten things up and take our minds off how challenging this season has been for our netballing Southern Mallee Giants.
We have learnt about our Australian Swimmers, AFL coaches and clubs, The Matildas, Michael Jordan, Wimbledon winners, Jamaican netball superstars, movie characters such as Superman, Wonder woman and Benjamin Button and of course the weather.
Learning, respect, hard work, enthusiasm, appreciation, optimism, delayed gratification, excitement, belief, approval, praise, acknowledgement and motivation have also been touched on at extreme length and perhaps to the point of exhaustion. Well, certainly no diversion required this week, just pure netball banter, both on a local and international front.
The Giants had their most successful day of the season with three wins and two close losses and it was an unbelievable feeling. Five things to celebrate:
1. The B Grade, they finally got that all important first victory of the season. They didn’t just win, they absolutely smashed it, shooting a season high fifty nine goals, the most of any of our teams this season. A cool thirty six goal win was simply amazing and a relief to both players and supporters.
2. The Under 13’s hung in there against a fast finishing Nhill, to experience that winning feeling for the second time of the season. Congratulations girls!! The C Grade, like the 13’s, also got win number two on the board, with a tight three goal win.
3. The A Grade and 15’s just couldn’t quite get over the line with seven and three goal losses respectively. The Nhill Under 15’s haven’t won since 2021, they were excited and so they should have been. A feel good netball story, even if it was against the Giants.
4. Lana Horman, a late starter to netball and the type of person that the Giants want on and off the court. Delightfully placid, kind, calm and encouraging, Lana is a work horse who goes about things quietly and plays her role. She was on the court for seven quarters on Saturday in 15’s and C Grade and took home two awards. Six of those quarters were in the Centre. Lana is developing very, very nicely and the Giants couldn’t be prouder of her development.
5. The Australian Diamonds are World Cup Champions, winning convincing over the English Roses by sixteen goals in Cape Town. Kiera Austin finished with fifteen goals and nineteen feeds in just three quarters of game time to win the MVP. Which player stood out for you during this stunning World Cup Series? Shamera Sterling from Jamaica was talked about at length in our household and we gave her the nod over our very own Courtney Bruce.
NetSetGo
Wow, these little superstars continue to develop week in, week out. They are eager and keen, their enthusiasm was at an all-time high this weekend with a home court advantage. The girls were making leads for passes, finding space and some set plays were observed going up and down the court against their much taller Nhill opponents. Intercepts, great defending and positive voices were a feature. Our girls are implementing what they are learning from Kim and Rach at training into games. These young girls should be proud of themselves with their infectious energy. Two games of the season left, keep going little Giants.
Awards: Meals Box Milkshake Ellerdy Seipolt, Giants Canteen Emily Watson
A Grade
What a game on the weekend! A close one that unfortunately did not end with a win, going down by seven goals at the final buzzer. An outstanding result compared to our twenty seven goal loss back in round seven. We had a squad of eight players, welcoming back Codie Robins to the team. Every member of the team played their part. A very close game for the girls.
Final Score Nhill 45 Giants 38
Awards: Crop Smart Jamiee O’Reilly, Sassi Steph Thomson, Lowes BP Taya Horman
B Grade
Not sure if it was the fresh tan for team photos or the excitement of the reunion on Saturday, however there was a buzz around the grounds and there was definitely electricity in the air from the moment the ladies stepped on court. Straight out of the gates, the plan was to control the ball with strong possession. We played our game with brilliance. We went into the second quarter with a five goal lead and our heads held high. Kat ran the Centre with support from Kim and Bridie, delivering the ball to our goalies to keep the lead increasing. With great accuracy from Issy and strong holds from Jonti, we went into half time with a fifteen gold lead and nothing but praise for all of our players. The defence from Seisha in Wing Defence allowed Keeta and Jaida to get the turnovers we wanted to extend that lead. With a twenty seven goal lead at three quarter time, the smiles and voices of support told a story. We were finally able to show that hard work and determination does pay off with our first win of the season.
Final Score Giants 59 Nhill 23
Awards: Mick Foott Haulage Issy Allan, Hopetoun Newsagency Keeta Scown, Warrack Electrical and Refrigeration Jaida Baldwin Monk
C Grade
The girls came back with a win this week with outstanding play up both ends of the court. We welcomed Lana Horman to the team again who was excellent in both Goal Defence and Centre, feeding the ball effortlessly in and out of the rings. The defence end stuck tight to their players and never gave up with Rose always offering for the ball in clear space. The goalies and attacking end worked very well once finding their feet and making a comeback in the third quarter. Great game girls.
Final Score Giants 25 Nhill 22
Awards: Liston Newton Lana Horman, Kayes Collection Rose Thomas
15 and Under
A very even contest against Nhill this week, coming down to the wire. Belle, Rachael and Issy had to work hard in the ring to score. Matilda and Lana worked creatively to get the ball into the shooters. Scarlett, Esther, Charlotte, Alynah and Elsa had to work hard in defence to cut off the Nhill attack, with their goalies shooting with accuracy. The 15’s went down by three but never gave up. Congratulations to Nhill on their first win of the season.
Final Score: Nhill 22 Giants 19
Awards: Bow Bakery Lana Horman, Feet First Footwear Matilda Shannon
13 and Under
A nail biting finish for the girls who played a great first half and combined well to give themselves a good lead at half time. Nhill worked themselves into the game in the second half. The final quarter came down to who could hold their centre pass advantage. To the credit of the girls, they held their nerve and hunted and pressured Nhill for the ball, allowing the young Giants’ team to stay in the game and bring home their second win of the season. Well done girls!
Final Score Giants 19 Nhill 17
Awards: Rock Paper Scissors Luca Landrigan Horsham Lanes and Games Lexie Hallam and Lilly Puckle