Netball
15 April, 2026
Tigers edge Thunder in tight finish, as Saints & Demons return to winners' circle
Nhill has started the season off on the right foot, holding off a fast-finishing Southern Mallee Thunder 43-40.
Nhill has started the season off on the right foot, holding off a fast-finishing Southern Mallee Thunder 43-40.
Playing in front of a dedicated home crowd at Davis Park, the Tigers got off to a strong 8-3 lead before the Thunder clawed back to level scores at 8-8.
Both teams were tested early in the elements as rain fell consistently and a strong breeze pushed across the court.
At the first break, the hosts were ahead 13-10, with coach Mel Polkinghorn applauding her side’s strong opening quarter.
“I was happy with the start. I think there was a bit of nerves coming into round one,” she said.
“The Thunder had lost a few players, so we were a bit unsure how they would line up.
“So we just focused on our game plan. I think when we have the patience… when we work it in, don't force it in, … we consolidate our chances.”
As the rain cleared, the sides settled into a rhythm, scoring 10 goals each to go into the main break 23-20.
Through strong defence, the Tigers were able to break free in the second half, pushing the lead out to five goals at the final break.
“[Our extended lead], I felt like, came from really good defence from the back,” Polkinghorn said.
“We had a lot of last-minute changes; Kristy, who’s usually in centre court, we threw in defence at the end.
“It was a very new defence… but it really started clicking by the second half.”
While the Thunder did outscore the hosts 10-8 in the last quarter, the margin was too great, with Nhill winning by three goals.
Ruby James scored the bulk of the Tigers' goals with 23, while Charlotte Foulds and Zara Polkinghorne added 10 each.
Phoebe Bigham top scored for the Thunder with 24 goals, Abby White added 12 and Luca Landrigan four.
“It was pretty exciting,” Polkinghorn said.
“We changed up a few things; we threw Zara into goal shooter, and she kept her nerve, which was really good.
“Having Charlotte [Foulds] at wing attack, just to slow the game down a bit and direct the traffic, was just a good balance.”
Polkinghorn also praised her side’s rebounding, which was a feature of the Tigers’ at both ends of the court.
“Our rebounds were really good.
“We were trying to rip them in, even though we were probably a bit shorter down our defensive end, those girls can jump.”
The Tigers now have two weeks off, with a round two bye extended due to Anzac Day.
“We've got a break, which is a blessing and a curse,” Polkinghorn said, “we'll be able to refocus.”
Across the courts
The Horsham Saints extended its win streak to 19 games following a resounding 72-34 win against Warrack Eagles.
Playing indoors at St Brigid's Stadium, the free-flowing game was unimpeded by inclement weather.
The perfect conditions allowed both sides to make the most of the centre passes, exchanging goals in the first few minutes of the game.
A missed attempt by the Eagles gave the Saints the first break; this opportunity opened the door the hosts needed, going from 3-3 to 12-3 within three minutes.
While the Eagles were able to convert a centre possession, the moment was with the defending premiers.
At the first break, the Saints were ahead 27-9.
The Eagles clawed back in the second quarter, making the most of centre possessions to go goal-for-goal with the Saints.
It took almost 12 minutes for the hosts to extend their lead beyond 18 goals, with a late burst pushing the margin out to 43-21.
The second half was much of the same, with the hosts' pressure mounting on the young Eagles outfit.
While the visitors traded blows for most of the second half, the Saints seized on missed shots and turnovers, converting them to extend the lead.
At the final break, Horsham Saints were ahead 57-33.
Like a battle of attrition, the defending premiers showed why they are the team to beat in 2026, adding another 15 goals, while limiting the Eagles to just 2.
Captain Ash Grace was named best on court alongside Jorja Clode, who scored 60 goals at 88% accuracy.
Warrack Eagles’ Briodi McKenzie scored 13 goals, Lauren Clyne 11, and Nicola Clyne 10.
Finally, a new-look front court helped Horsham defeat Minyip-Murtoa 62-35 at City Oval.
Imogen Worthy (45 goals) and new partner Georgie Carberry (17) combined for 62 goals, while Tamira Cullinan (13), Jenna Schneider (12) and Claudia Griffiths (5) shared the goals for the Burras.