Netball
15 April, 2026
Saints hold off improved Tigers
Edenhope Apsley opened their 2026 Horsham District Football Netball League A grade netball season with a hard-fought 59-51 victory over Pimpinio on Saturday April 11.
Playing at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve, the home side managed to get the better of last year’s grand finalists in the opening stages of the game.
Impressive defence in the midcourt and the goal circle, paired with accurate shooting from Tahlia Thompson, helped the Tigers to lead 16-14 at the first break.
But the Saints were able to adjust to the Pimpinio defence with slick passing to quickly gain the lead early in the second quarter.
A combination of strong defence, as well as accurate shooting from both Dee Dee Lambert and Lavinia Fox, saw Edenhope Apsley extend the lead to 33-26 at half-time.
Pimpinio continued to challenge the visitors but last year’s grand finalists maintained control of the game, holding a 47-38 lead at three-quarter-time before finishing with an eight-goal victory.
For the Saints, Dee Dee Lambert finished with 35 goals from 42 attempts and Lavinia Fox had 23 from 28.
For Pimpinio, Tahlia Thompson had 29 from 43 attempts while Mikayla Dumesny had 15 from 18.
Along with Thompson, recruits Keely Pope and Victoria Taylor had impressive opening-round games for the home side.
Hayley Campbell was a standout in the midcourt for Edenhope Apsley while Jasmine McIntyre played well in goal defence in the absence of Olivia Spence.
Saints coach Lavinia Fox said she was pleased with how the team adjusted at quarter-time, saying Pimpinio showed great defensive pressure.
“It's great to start the season with a win, especially against Pimpinio, who have recruited really well in the offseason and came out really strong,” she said.
“Big credit to Pimpinio defensively for bringing a lot of pressure and forcing us to use some resets and having to work on the circle edge a bit more.
“When we found our composure, that’s when we started to find Dee Dee quite nicely under the post and got some beautiful feeds.
“We started to gel in the second and opened up in the latter half of the game, which was nice."
The game also produced a great moment for Alla Grant, who made her debut for the Saints.
“Alla is our junior development player and to get her on court today at goal attack was awesome,” Fox said.
“Even better, the cherry on top, was her getting a goal.
“We’re really big on developing our players so to get her out there and get her a part of our group as early as possible, it's great, and good to see her smiling out there and just enjoying her netball.”
Elsewhere, Natimuk United registered a 48-38 win against Rupanyup.
The Rams outscored the Panthers 30-15 in the middle quarters to get a comfortable lead and eventually leave with the win.
Stacey Hopwood was a standout in her first game for Natimuk, finishing with 32 goals, while Emma Uebergang finished with 16.
For Rupanyup, Chloe Reinheimer and Phoebe Downer had 21 and 17 goals, respectively, with recruit Molly Fagan impressing in her first game at goal defence.
At Kaniva, the Cougars came from behind to defeat Harrow Balmoral 36-32.
The Southern Roos led by two at quarter-time and one at half-time before a decisive third quarter from Kaniva Leeor set up the victory.
Goal attack Nikki Hawker led the victors with 15 goals and Abby Croft had 11 while Ellen Bennett had a standout game at both centre and goal defence.
Megan Little led the Southern Roos with 19 goals while Holly Langley had seven.
At Quantong Recreation Reserve, the Noradjuha Quantong Bombers proved too strong for the Swifts, taking a 52-18 victory.
Defenders Leah Mirtschin, Brooke Pay and Jess Leader were impactful all game, limiting opportunities for the Swifts, while coach Taylor Shelley led the side in scoring with 24 goals.
For the Swifts, goal keeper Edwina Flakemore was a standout while Jade Ralph led the side with 10 goals.
At Dock Lake Recreation Reserve, Laharum started the season with a convincing 67-30 win over Taylors Lake.
A 22-point second quarter gave the Demons a 40-14 half-time lead before they eventually finished with a 37-goal win.
Ilze Van Zyl scored 39 goals in her debut for Laharum while Caitlin Jones Story had 28.
Ema Iredell and debutant Jaspa Robinson were standouts on the defensive end.
For Taylors Lake, Chloe Klem had 16 goals, while Zoe Gray and Kayla Kelm were among the best on court for the home side.