Netball
23 September, 2024
Saints 15-and-under netballers march to victory
The Horsham Saints 15-and-under netballers marched to victory, defeating Horsham by 13 goals, thanks to a blistering opening half.
Lena Marshman scored the game's first three goals to give the Saints a three-nil lead. The Demons battled from there, but the Saints held firm to lead by five at quarter-time.
The young Saints won the game in the second quarter. They scored 13 goals to seven to lead by 11 at the main break.
The Demons fought back in the third, but the Saints stayed firm despite the Demons clawing the lead back to eight goals at three-quarter time.
The Saints scored some early goals in the last quarter before running out 38-25 winners.
Lena Marshman scored 22 goals in a best-on-the-court performance, with Hailey Tippet scoring 16.
The Demons were led by Abbey Wiedermann and Rani Potter, with 13 and 12 goals, respectively.
This was Horsham's second win in three years, having won in 2022. Coach Vernetta Taylor has coached them for that duration and said the win was memorable whilst praising the girls for their efforts.
Taylor said she is proud of them.
"I think I have found my fit, having coached the team to two premierships in the last three years. It's pretty special. I have done it all in netball as a player, coach, administrator and umpire," Taylor said.
"When you come into a grand final undefeated, you are under a lot of pressure as you know the opposition will throw everything at you, and you have to make sure not to take the foot off the pedal at any time.
"We keep pushing to improve, and I have seen many teams go undefeated all year, only to lose in the big game, so I was making sure it didn't happen to us."
"All of our nine players took to the court, and it was a real team effort today. All the girls contributed, did a fantastic job, and handled the pressure well."
Taylor spoke highly of Marshman, highlighting she is a future star.
"Lena is a rare talent. She is extraordinary, and I have been privileged to coach her for the last couple of years," Taylor said.
"Watch this space. The sky is the limit for her. She will be a star."
Taylor's daughter, Olivia, played, and she said she did well as it's not always easy being coached by your mum.
"As goal-keeper, Olivia played a good game and with the strong goalies that Horsham have, we knew our defence end was important," Taylor said.
"I thought she played a great game. It's not easy being coached by your mum. She did a terrific job, and I am proud of her."