Sport
1 September, 2024
Saints adjust to conditions quickest in big win against Roos | WFNL finals
The Saints lead at every change at a windy Davis Park.
WFNL Netball
Nhill
The Horsham Saints have are a win away from a grand final berth after a 61-30 victory against Dimboola in the WFNL first qualifying final on Saturday, August 31.
The Saints now face Horsham at Anzac Park.
Coach Jess Cannane credited her side's performance in tough conditions.
"[It came down to] who would adjust the quickest and then go from there and really extend and try and stick to our own game," Cannane said.
"Most of the time, people either get really reserved when it starts to be a little bit windy and perhaps go against their normal brand of netball.
"So it was about trying to [with control] play our brand of netball."
Cannane was pleased with the buy-in of the whole squad.
We've spoken a lot about that it's a we mentality versus a me mentality and that it's going to take all 10 of us," she said.
"I think we saw that today with a few different combinations."
It was a steady start at Davis Park as both sides adjusted to the windy conditions.
After they settled, the Saints gained the upper hand.
Rain fell throughout the first term as the Saints led by 10 goals at the first change.
Dimboola controlled the ball in the second quarter as it looked to use the breeze to its advantage.
However, the Saints maintained its double-digit lead at half time.
The Roos continued to be patient in attack third early in the third term, whilst the Saints pushed the pace through the mid-court, particularly on turnovers.
The Saints extended its lead to 24 goals at the last change.
Jorja Clode was forced off the court early in the last term as Taya Quick took her place in the attacking circle.
Despite the change and defending the breeze in the last quarter, the Saints extended its lead to 31 goals.
Clode shot 33 goals as Maddison Bethune and Holly Phillips featured in the best.
Olivia Beugelaar added 18 goals for the Roos.
Paige Glover and Stephanie Glover were named in the best.
Horsham has progressed to the 13-and-Under second qualifying final after a 32-21 victory against Warrack.
Poppy White and Luella Burke shot 16 goals.
The Demons now now face Horsham Saints.
Ararat has come from three goals down to defeat Horsham 19-17 in the 15-and-Under first qualifying final.
Eleanor Sladdin added 12 goals for the Rats, who will now play the Horsham Saints.
Horsham has recorded a dominant 64-37 win in the 17-and-Under first qualifying final against Warrack.
Zarli Knight shot 36 goals as the Demons now head to Anzac Park to play the Horsham Saints.
The Horsham Saints have set up a second qualifying final clash with Horsham in B Grade after a 43-36 victory against Minyip Murtoa.
Holly Combe stood out with 30 goals.
Stawell came from behind at half time to defeat Horsham 31-25 in C Grade.
Michelle Beaton was unstoppable for the Warriors with 26 goals.
Stawell will now face the Horsham Saints at Anzac Park.
The Horsham Saints have claimed a 36-22 victory against Stawell in C Reserve.
Breanna Dyke added 22 goals as a clash with Horsham now awaits.