Sport
25 August, 2024
Warriors overcome nerves in Rats win to cement finals berth | WFNL R18
Stawell finished eight points clear in fifth on the ladder.
WFNL Netball
Ararat
The Stawell Warriors put early nerves behind them on its way to a 63-41 win against Ararat in round 18 of the WFNL on Saturday, August 24.
According to co-coach Jemma Clarkson, this stemmed from knowing that her side required a positive result to ensure a finals berth.
"Those first quarter nerves were definitely apparent, but once we worked through that and into the second quarter, we played a nice, calm game," Clarkson said.
"We were able to transition a little bit better out of our defensive intercepts and able to score goals a little bit more freely."
The focus was on defence after the visitors were behind by three goals early in the first term.
"We spoke about it quarter time, just ramping up our one-to-one defence and really putting pressure on every player down the court," she said.
"Hopefully, through having that pressure on every player, you get a few more little touches and a few balls go astray.
" [And having] really big hands up over the ball, and them- having to work really hard for every pass, and that there was no free player down court to get an easy pass off too."
Clarkson also credited the work of Ebony Summers and Madi Taylor in the absence of Ayva Mitchell.
Mitchell injured her foot during the week, and the club are awaiting scans to determine the severity of the injury.
"Eb and Madi did a great job of just settling themselves down into goals and looking to the post instead of coming in and out all the time; they shot beautifully," Clarkson said.
The pair's rebounding was also a feature.
The Rats got out to an early three-goal lead, as it created turnovers in the mid-court.
Both sides moved the ball quickly as clear conditions made for fast-paced play.
Stawell worked its way back late in the term and led by one goal at the first change.
The visitors continued to build on the second term as its lead hovered around four goals.
At the other end of the court, the Rats continued to be patient around its goal ring but entered half time with a nine-goal deficit.
Stawell lifted its pressure in the third quarter as it caused errant passes from the Rats.
In Ararat'sattacking third, Sophie Cooper's constant movement made her a difficult match-up.
The Warriors extended its lead to 21 at the last change.
The margin at full-time was 21 goals.
Cooper and Jesse Bligh shot 18 goals for Ararat.
Summers shot 35 goals for the Warriors.
Dimboola has overcome a five-goal deficit to defeat the Burras 56-54 at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
The two-goal win sees the Roos climb into the top three and a second chance in finals.
Kirby Knight shot 34 goals for the home side.
Nicole Polycarpou added 34 for Dimboola.
The Horsham Saints have finished the regular season with an 82-45 victory against Nhill.
Jorja Clode impressed with 57 goals for the Saints.
Ruby James shot 26 for Nhill.
Despite the 37-goal win, the Saints missed out on the minor premiership by 1.74 per cent.
Horsham has secured the minor premiership after a 54-52 win against Southern Mallee.
A 19-goal first term put the Demons in a commanding position.
Steph Thomson added 28 goals for the Thunder.
Imogen Worthy shot 35 for Horsham.