Netball
1 May, 2026
Saints ready for Bombers test
Round four of the Horsham District Football Netball League takes place this Saturday, May 2, where Edenhope Apsley and Noradjuha Quantong meet in a highly anticipated game of A grade netball.
Round four of the Horsham District Football Netball League takes place this Saturday, May 2, where Edenhope Apsley and Noradjuha Quantong meet in a highly anticipated game of A grade netball.
Both sides are undefeated through three rounds, each bringing different strengths to the contests.
Even without key players in their opening three rounds, the Saints have proven they’re one of the most dynamic offensive sides in the competition, and will only get stronger with the return of goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert this Saturday.
But they meet a Bombers team that is restricting their opponents to an average of just 25.7 goals per game.
Saints coach Lavinia Fox is looking forward to the matchup against the Bombers’ defence, believing Lambert will prove a challenge for Rachel Leader.
“They've recruited very well in the off-season and have added some more depth to their mid-court and their defensive end,” she said.
“They have got some height, particularly with Rachel Leader in the goalkeeper role.
“I think it'll be a really good test for us this weekend, and I think it'll be a lovely matchup having Dee Dee playing against her.
“I believe Dee Dee's got the height and the dynamic movement to hopefully push them, so it'll be a focus for Dee Dee and myself to step up playing against a strong defensive side.”
The Saints coach is equally wary of Noradjuha Quantong’s midcourt.
“I think their midcourt's also a really big strength for them,” Fox said.
“They have the likes of Holly Nuske and Jess Leader, who can both excel in the centre role.”
While unavailability has impacted Edenhope Apsley so far, Fox is pleased with how the side is progressing, particularly with the added depth to this year’s team.
“After having six months off netball, it takes some time to find those connections again, but I think we've found them quite quickly, which has been really nice,” she said.
“We've had some close games as well, which I think have really tested our combinations.
“Having some players out these first three rounds has created a lot of opportunity for the other players in our team, and I think it's really shown the great depth that we have in our side this year.
“Several players have been able to step up from our B grade and be well integrated into our A grade side, so I think that's what's really exciting to see for the club and something that I think is different compared to last season.”
In other round four A grade games, Natimuk United will aim to record their second win of the season as they host the Swifts.
At Cameron Oval, the in-form Laharum goes up against a Kaniva Leeor side who looks to be a finals threat in 2026.
Speaking after last week’s win over Rupanyup, Demons co-coach Brooke Taylor is expecting a tough match against a quality Cougars outfit.
“Kaniva is a bit of a dark horse, and they look to have a strong team,” Taylor said.
“Nikki Hawker used to play at Laharum and is a really strong player, so we’re looking forward to a good game.”
Kalkee will aim to bounce back from their close loss to Pimpinio as they host Rupanyup.
Taylors Lake will look for an improved performance as they meet a Tigers side coming of their first win of the season.