Netball
30 June, 2024
Saints remain unbeaten following another tough win
The Horsham Saints remain unbeaten in the Wimmera Football Netball League following a tough nine-goal win over Stawell at Central Park.
It was a tight battle in the first quarter, with both teams going goal-for-goal, with the Saints able to wrestle a three-goal lead at quarter-time.
The Saints started to dominate in the second quarter, extending their lead to seven goals at halftime.
On their home court, the Warriors put up a fight in the third, wrestling the margin back to seven goals at three-quarter-time.
The more experienced Saints, however, battled hard in the last quarter to win 54-45.
Abby Hallam was sensational up forward for the Saints, scoring 31 goals. Taya Quick continued her excellent form in a more permanent role up forward without Jorja Clode, scoring 23 goals.
Jessica Cannane was outstanding at wing defence for the Saints. Ashlee Grace was her usual brilliant self in the centre, and Maddison Bethune continued her outstanding defensive season.
Ayva Mitchell led the way for the Warriors with 29 goals, and Ebony Summers was also brilliant with 15 goals. Madi Taylor was excellent at wing attack.
Saints' coach Jessica Cannane said Quick relishes her role in Jorja Clode's absence.
"Without Jorja, it has provided us a good opportunity to bring in different combinations and give us a different look in the attack line," Cannane said.
"We knew that Taya would be able to handle more A-grade, and playing a full game against tougher opponents is seeing her grow in confidence and improve at this level."
Cannane relishes the tough competition as it shows them where they need to improve.
"Credit to Stawell. Their defensive pressure was good, and it was a hard match," Cannane said.
"We were able to find a way to secure the four points and work through a couple of combinations, which was pleasing as a coach.
"We pride ourselves in the ability to control the ball and have been able to develop that a bit. It is vital we slow ourselves down and hit the target at the top before feeding our goalies, and we are strengthening our midcourt, which allows our defenders to attack."
Cannane said that Elly Barnett is starting to hit her straps after time away last year.
"Barnett is growing week in and week out and is returning to where she was a few years ago," Cananne said.
"She has a slightly different role coming back into goalkeeper but is providing us direction and voice and creating a tighter defensive unit.
"With Maddison Bethune also in defence as a youngster, having Elly's experience is beneficial."
Tigers consolidate fourth with a tough victory over the Burras
At Davis Park, Nhill defeated Minyip Murtoa by 13 goals in a tough match.
The Tigers took a four-goal lead into quarter-time and extended that margin to seven at half-time.
The Burras fought hard, but the Tigers could extend that margin again, this time by two points to lead by nine at three-quarter-time.
In the final quarter, the Tigers responded to the Burras pressure, running the game out to win 58-45.
Ruby James was sensational for the Tigers, scoring 41 goals, with Claudia McRae chipping in with 17.
The Burras were led by Claire Mackay, who scored 24 goals, continuing her great A-grade season after coming up from B-grade in round five. Kirby Knight scored 21 goals for the Burras.
Demons thrash Ararat
At Horsham City Oval, Horsham blew away Ararat by 61 points.
The Rats were comprehensively beaten, with the Sasints extending the lead in each quarter to win 82-21.
Imogen Worthy and Georgia Batson scored 41 goals for the Demons, showing the dominance of their attack.
Jesse Bligh and Sophie Cooper scored nine and eight goals, respectively, for the Rats, with Laney McLoughlan chipping in with four.