Netball
21 April, 2026
Netball round delivers tight contests across league
Round two of Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade netball had it all, including slim victories and a draw.
Round two of Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade netball had it all, including slim victories and a draw.
At Alexandra Oval, Ararat and Dimboola could not be separated at the final horn, with scores tied at 53 all.
Meanwhile, the game between the Eagles and Warriors was the biggest margin of the round - six goals - as the home side won 41-35.
Finally, the Burras couldn't quite match the Thunder at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve, going down by one goal, 41-42.
Eagles down on winless Warriors
Playing in front of a strong home crowd at Anzac Park, Warrack Eagles got off to a strong start.
Briodi McKenzie’s hot hand saw the hosts take a 13-5 lead late in the first quarter before two late goals from Ayva Mitchell cut the deficit to six goals.
Mitchell continued her red-hot form in the second quarter, adding 10 goals for the Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Eagles generated scoring opportunities, but could only convert nine shots,
And the sides went into the half-time break with the scores at 22-20.
Speaking to Wimmera Mallee News after the game, Warrack Eagles coach Sarah Spicer said she encouraged her side to hold firm during the main break.
“The girls maintained their focus really well,” she said.
“We were out in front, and they brought it right back, but we didn't let them in, which was positive.
“We’ve got a similar squad this season, but last year we would have let them back in.
“This time, we really finished the game, which I was really happy with.”
After conceding 13 goals in the second quarter, Warrack focused on limiting Stawell’s opportunities, cutting off passing lanes and plucking errant passes.
“I was really happy with how Bella (Isabella Orszulak), our goal defence, and also Macie [Nitschke] and Jess Kelly both played the goalkeeper position,” Spicer said.
“They got that front position, so they're forced to go over. Obviously, they're tall girls, so we could get those intercepts.
“I thought Bella in particular played a really good game at shutting down that goal attack; I don't know how many interceptions she would have had.”
While the hosts added nine goals in the third quarter, they extended the lead to three goals at the final break.
Spicer applauded Lauren Clyne, who played well despite the slim lead.
“Lauren has a beautiful shot; if we had the two-point line, she'd be killing it,” she said.
“I guess being young, she has the confidence, but she obviously practices a lot too.”
With the lead in hand, the Eagles held firm, outsourcing Stawell 10-7 in the last quarter to walk away victors.
Orszulak and Lauren Clyne (22 goals) were named best on court for the hosts, while Stawell defenders Lisa Considine and Meg Walker were amongst the best on court.
Warriors' Mitchell finished with 29 goals, while Madi Taylor added six.
“The win gives up a lot of confidence,” Spicer said.
“We will take that with us into the next few weeks.
“We can finish a game … that's really tough to do; it got close, and then we pulled it back, and we won by five. You gotta love that.”
Nothing separates Rats, Roos
Despite being down at the end of the first quarter and half time, 12 to 15 and 24 to 27, Ararat fought hard after quarter time to lead by one going into the final term.
But Dimboola weren't ready to concede the four points, and evened the score up in the last, to record the first draw of the season.
Julia Harricks and Monique Scott were brilliant for the home side, in Centre and Wing Defence respectively, while Stephanie Glover and Billie Barber battled hard all day for Dimboola.
Laney McLoughlan scored 27 for the hosts, while Maggie Astbury added 25.
Meanwhile, Nicole Polycarpou top-scored with 28 for the Roos at goal shooter, while Olivia Beugelaar (21) and Maddi Marra (four) split the goals at goal attack.
Thunder strike
At home in Hopetoun, Southern Mallee were up by three at the end of the first quarter against Minyip Murtoa, but trailed by four at halftime and three heading into the final quarter.
But the Thunder finished strongly, outscoring their opponents to record a 42-41 win.
Kierra Schumann was great for the Thunder in Centre, while Sydney Thorogood was a force in Goal Defence, and later Goal Keeper.
For the Burras, Claudia Griffiths and Johanna Griffiths were in brilliant form, with Claudia in Centre and Wing Attack and Johanna across Goal Defence and Wing Attack.