Match Report Round 9, 23rd June 2012.
With only 5 rounds to go until finals, teams are getting fitter, stronger and all the hard work at training is coming together. This week’s match results have given the ladders a good shake up and some upsets have blown the finals spots wide open.
It was a beautiful sunny but chilly morning that greeted hundreds of players, parents and supporters bright and early for the start of competition. There were many blankets and gloves with the odd hot water bottle to be seen. With a coffee in hand from Val and a crowd favourite egg and bacon roll from Faye the days play began.
Section 1 had some big wins with Empink, Intensity, Greta Guns and PYT all on the winning list. The top two spots are pretty secure with the final two spaces still open.
Section 2 saw Babes in Blue keep their unbeaten streak defeating Florescent 26-13. Ellenor McKenzie’s work in GD made it difficult for the opposition getting the ball into goals. Florescent ‘s WD Emma Ackerly and Sarah Maher provided strong support down the court while Ainslee Bear tried valiantly all game.
North Wang Hawks had a strong win over Tenacious. After a slow start to the season the Hawks have really hit their straps and have advanced to equal third on the ladder. GS Brianna was accurate in goals while GK Ellie Robinson kept pressure on the goalies. Chloe Butterworth and Nina Dummett both played well for Tenacious.
The ladder is a nail biter with 7 teams still in the running to make finals so there is a pressure game every week.
In Section 3 Exterminators defeated fourth on the ladder Sparkflies 23-8. Sparkflies Brooke Lewis worked hard and got plenty of the ball in GD. Tayla Reidy in GA provided plenty of assistance down the court and Ruby Grey in C was strong down the court and feeding the goalies. Exterminators Shaniel Dyer GD made the shooters work hard, backed up solidly by Breanna Burns in WD. Ally Peters GA shot well to help her team with their win.
The finals spots are all up for grabs with 7 teams still in the running for finals with 20 points still available.
Section 4 M & M’s due to injury and sickness have struggled to get a full team on the court for the past month. After defeating Caution 12-8 they’ve stayed in touch with the final 4 just two wins away. Maddy O’Keefe in C provided pace and accuracy into goals. Sarah Ashton shot well in goals and also went into GK and made the goalies work hard. Caution’s Rachel Kelly positioned herself well and was accurate as GS. Lucy Lee was also strong driving down the court in C.
The top three teams are sitting safe at the moment with third and fourth spot open.
Section 5 saw a draw between third on the ladder Moyhu Madness and bottom by percentage Blaze 18-18. Blaze has been improving every week and it was no surprise to see them play so well. Tess Larkin and Olivia Richards combined well in goals with some great passing. Eliza Lewis backed up in the centre court strong and smiling as always. Mollie Shanley drove hard into the ring in GA for Moyhu Madness and was fed with strong accurate passes by Keeley Tua in C. Maison Thwaites in WD covered her player and positioned herself well to receive a pass.
Only 8 points separates the top 7 teams, with the other two teams still able to qualify for finals. With only 5 games to go every point is going to count.
Section 6 is a closely contested section with all teams still in with a chance to make finals.
Starstruck were excited to win their second win of the season defeating Kit Kat 11-6. Emma Gillies in C passed the ball with precession to shooters, and GS Zoe Jose finished off with accuracy in goals. Issy Simmons and Matilda Drage shared centre duties while Kit Crittenden was finding space in WA.
In a nail biter Sugar Balls just got up by 1 goal over Netty Betties 8-7. Kiarha West in WA combined well with GS Abigale Delany. Netty Betties who had 6 players had a strong second half and only just fell short. Rhiannon Hochfield and Teaghan Stone played consistantly all game.
Net Set Go first year are getting excited as this week is the last skills training until they start playing modified games for the final three weeks. The players and coaches have been working hard on drills with the teams showing great teamwork and plenty of enthusiasm.
Net Set Go second year will also have this as their last week playing modified rules and will then go onto play normal rules netball for the last three weeks.
Rings go up and three seconds and three feet rules apply.
All Abilities Competition has its last week on Saturday. The players and families have braved all types of weather over the last six weeks with heaps of anticipation and enthusiasm. It’s pleasing to see so much the players have improved their ball handling and court skills. They play their last game at 10.10 on Court 4 so be sure to get over there to encourage and help out if they need it. There will be a presentation at 11.00am for the players and everyone is invited to come and support and congratulate them.