Netball
5 August, 2024
Rams netballers upset Saints
Natimuk has produced a big upset in round 16 of the Horsham District Football Netball League, defeating Edenhope Apsley by 16 goals at Natimuk Recreation Reserve.
Without Lavinia Fox, which motivated the Rams even more, the Rams shot 17 goals to lead by six at quarter-time.
In the second quarter, it was goal for goal, with the Rams edging away late to lead by 11 goals at the main break.
With a handy buffer and confidence behind them, the Rams extended the margin by 14 goals at the final break before running out 57 to 37 winners.
Emma Uebergang was the star for the Rams, shooting 48 goals, and Danielle Hanson was also an excellent up-forward.
Tahlia Sailor shot 26 goals for Edenhope Apsley and was their best player alongside Morgan Coventry, who was a standout at wing defence.
Rams coach Danielle Hanson was ecstatic following the match.
"We thought it was going to be tough, and we prevailed and it was definitely one of our better games of the year as we managed to put four quarters together and kept going," Hanson said.
"It was a warm day, the sun was shining, and we kept pushing through. No matter what changes I made, everyone played their part, which was really good."
Hanson added that possession was the key to the win.
"We had that lead and didn't do anything silly. We kept possession and just played our game."
"We were able to keep the momentum flowing and kept playing the game out to the end, and that's all I can ask of the girls each week, to produce that four-quarter effort, and they have definitely been doing that."
Hanson also said Fox's absence motivated them.
"When I saw the team sheets before the game, I told the girls that Lavinia isn't playing and that we have a great chance, and the girls were upbeat about that," Hanson said.
"One player doesn't make a team, but having her be one of their best players this season just motivated the girls even more."
Cougars edge closer to finals
Kaniva Leeor's A-grade netballers have one hand on the sixth spot on the ladder following a 12-goal win over Pimpinio at the Pimpinio Sporting Complex.
The Cougars came out charging in the first quarter, shooting 15 goals to lead by eight at quarter-time.
It was an even second quarter, with both sides shooting goal-for-goal as the lead remained at eight at the main break.
The Tigers battled hard in the third, staying with the Cougars as much as possible, as the margin was extended to 12 at the main break.
In the last quarter, the Tigers took it up to the Cougars, matching them goal-for-goal, but the Cougars were too good, winning 51 to 39.
Blair Burke was a massive up-forward, shooting 33 goals for the Cougars, with Nikki Hawker shooting 18. Sinead Kuchel was brilliant at wing attack, and Kahli Maddern was solid at goal defence.
Lana Ellis led the way for the Tigers with 18 goals, whilst Annie Felini and Tahnee Brown were their best players at wing attack and wing defence, respectively.
Cougars coach Kylie King said the start was important.
"I was very pleased with the start as the girls hit the court ready to play netball," King said.
"The start was very important, as the Tigers matched it with us for three quarters. They wouldn't take defeat easily and are a good side."
King said that Burke has returned strong from injury and is now at full strength and highlighted Kuchel's and Maddern's game.
"Sinead played a very strong game, creating many opportunities and driving through the midcourt," King said.
"Kahli is a consistent defender. She goes about her job week in and week out and has been consistent for four quarters.
"Ruby Gordon is also doing great down in defence, and it's lovely to have her versatility. She is a great strength down there for us."
Even though the Cougars are sitting in sixth spot, still two games clear of the Swifts, with a bye in the final round, and a hard match against Kalkee next week, King knows they are not there yet.
"We need to create our own destiny and need to give our best against Kalkee," King said.
"We must put our best foot forward, as they are tough competition. We need to go out there and get another four points to seal our spot, and the girls will be ready to do that."
Swifts keep finals hopes alive with a tough win over the Southern Roos
The Swifts battled hard to keep their season alive, with a tough six-point win over Harrow Balmoral at North Park.
The first quarter was tight, with the Baggies taking a three-goal lead into quarter-time. It was another tight battle in the second quarter, but the home side edged away to lead by six at half-time.
The Baggies extended their lead by three goals in the third quarter to nine at the last break.
The Southern Roos weren't going to lay down easy. They fought the game out, scoring 16 goals in the last quarter, but the Baggies were too strong, running out 56 to 50 winners.
Rebbekkah Seeary was sensational for the home side, shooting 35 goals, with Michaela Armer and Edwina Flakemore excellent in attack and defence, respectively.
Tara McIntyre shot 26 goals for the Southern Roos, and Tori Dunstan chipped in with 24.
Panthers boost their percentage with a massive win over the Lakers
Rupanyup remains a game clear in second place following a comfortable 40-point win over Taylors Lakes at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
The Lakers took it up to their more fancied opponents in the first half, trailing by six at quarter-time and ten at half-time.
A blistering 20-goal to three third quarter saw the Panthers blow the lead out to 27 goals at the final break. A further 19 goals in the last saw them run out 71-31 winners, boosting their percentage in the process.
Zanaiya Bergen was sensational for the Panthers, shooting 54 goals, with Meg Cashin excellent through the midcourt, providing plenty of drive.
Harriet Overman shot 25 for the Lakers with Lilly Weir also a standout in attack.