Important wins for Drouin
The three Drouin netball teams heading for finals had important wins over Leongatha on Saturday. A grade: Drouin 55 defeated Leongatha 51. Drouin had a great first half and managed to hang in there for the second half.
Drouin’s sloppy third quarter saw Leongatha given a chance to get back into the game, having trailed by 15 at half-time. The final quarter was a good battle; with Drouin coming out on top.
Changes were made at half-time, including Kym Diston out into goal defence, Jessie Hedley into goal keeper and Ella Henderson out to wing defence. Taking countless intercepts throughout the game was Christie Edwards. Moving consistently around the goal ring and also taking intercepts when possible was Stacie Gardiner.
The team is now concentrating on specific things to fine tune before finals. Award: Stacie Gardiner. B grade: Drouin 41 defeated Leongatha 40. It was a great four quarters of netball from the B grade side against a quality side in a hard and physical game.
Only a goal or two separated the teams for the entire game. In attack, Kyle Proctor had an outstanding game using her experience and knowledge. She combined with Jemyma Leishout and they proved a hard combination to shut down. Both shot sensationally and worked together to get the ball under the post.
Also in attack were Kelly Hedley (wing attack) and Deb Thomas (centre) who used the speed of the ball to open up the circle for the goalers.
Rachel Morris had another consistent game in wing defence, applying pressure to create several turnovers. In the defence circle, Ali Macarthur, Natalie Sloan and Chelsea DeRiter were all fantastic and took intercepts which kept the Hawks in the game. It was a well fought and deserved win. Awards: Kylie Proctor, Deb Thomas, Rachel Morris and Chelsea DeRiter. C grade: Drouin 17 lost to Leongatha 39. The C grade team knew it would be a tough game against top of the ladder Leongatha. The girls fought hard and the scoreline doesn’t reflect how the game went at times.
A couple of early breaks by Leongatha allowed a small early lead and the Hawks tried to play catch up from that point.
In defence, the different combinations of Lia Olsen and Abbey Craig, followed by Sarah Sharpe and Jess Murray all worked well – and took what intercepts they could. Always ready to let fly down the court was Tasha Kimber.
In attack, some beautiful goals by Emily Bethune rewarded the hard work by the midcourt. Awards: Sarah Sharpe and Tasha Kimber. Under 17: Drouin 29 defeated Leongatha 14. The Hawks had a great start with a slightly rejigged line-up. The girls stepped up and showed their depth.
The team was patient in attack and worked the ball around nicely. Defensively, there was pressure over the shot and the defenders blocked out and rebounded well.
Alana Rippon was on fire – getting many turnovers and feeding the ball consistently where the goalers needed it. Award: Alana Rippon. Under 15: Drouin 17 lost to Leongatha 28. The Hawks played another solid game, showing versatility with different combinations.
Defensively, the girls worked as a unit to put Leongatha under the pump. Ella Gown and Holly Andrews both had fantastic games in defence.
In attack, the girls utilised double plays to work the ball onto the ring. Sabine Leishout was outstanding game in goal attack.
Awards: Ella Gown, Sabine Leishout and Holly Andrews. Under 13: Drouin 3 lost to Leongatha 23. It was a fresh start, making goaling a challenge for both teams.
There were fantastic passages by the baby Hawkers, especially when moving the ball after a turnover. The attackers worked hard to keep possession of the ball and create opportunities.
Awards: Lucy McKellar, Maya Cooper, Lainy Downie and Matilda Carroll.