Netball
22 May, 2026
Rams meet firing Saints
Natimuk United’s A grade netball side will look to retain their position in the top five, but will go up against a formidable Edenhope Apsley side in round seven of the Horsham District Football Netball League this Saturday May 23.
The Rams have proven that their late-season surge in 2025 was no fluke, starting 2026 with a 3-2 record before their round-six bye.
Edenhope Apsley coach Lavinia Fox said Natimuk appeared to have progressed on their 2025 season but her team would be focused on their own game plan ahead of Saturday.
“Seeing they’ve had a win against Harrow Balmoral means they’ve also built as a side compared to last year,” Fox said.
“They have improved as an attacking unit, but for us it will be about sticking to our own processes.
“I think we're quite confident that if we play the game we're trying to build, hopefully that will lead to success regardless of the opposition we're playing.
“We'll just focus on us and I think we'll be looking to have another strong game and really keep building as we approach Laharam in our next game.”
Currently second on the ladder with five wins and one draw, the Saints coach says she's happy with the progress her side is showing, admitting Harrow Balmoral provided some challenges for the side before they prevailed 56-35 in round six.
Asked about the strong performance from centre Hannah Magasanik, Fox said the recruit continued to progress as she settled into the team.
“Hannah is incredibly valuable to our team,” she said.
“She’s a threat on both ends; she’s very safe and efficient with her feed into the goalies and she balances that nicely with her voice and pressure in defence.
“She’s still settling into new combinations, being a recruit, but she’s a great addition to our team and I’m really excited to see how she can grow within our group and continue to contribute.
“She had a fantastic game on the weekend and got our best on court.”
In other A grade games, Kaniva Leeor United will aim for their third straight win as they host Pimpinio.
The two sides finished 10th and 11th on the ladder in 2025 but have demonstrated they are genuine final contenders early in the season.
Cougars coach Kylie King says she's excited for her lineup to test themselves against the Tigers.
“It’s great to get back on track after a couple of early-season losses against strong opposition,” King said.
“We’re well aware that Pimpinio are also having a very good season so this week will be another great challenge for us at home.
“It’ll be a really good test and an opportunity to see where we’re at.”
The Cougars finished with a strong 49-28 round-six victory over Taylors Lake, led by a 34-goal performance by Abby Croft.
The Kaniva Leeor coach said the shooter’s early-season form had been critical to their promising start.
“Abby Croft had another strong performance and continues to show great development this season,” King said.
“Her confidence and composure are growing each week, and her ability to finish off opportunities are really valuable for the team.”
At Quantong, the Bombers will play for their fifth win of the season against Taylors Lake.
With a home-court advantage, the Swifts will look to claim their first points of the season against a Kalkee side who enter Saturday with consecutive losses.
At Harrow, the Southern Roos have the tough challenge of taking on the undefeated Laharum Demons.