The State Netball Centre played host to Round 3 of the Victorian Netball League with all teams travelling to Parkville last night. There was no shortage of netball action and close calls, with top teams well and truly put through their paces.
Championship
Boroondara Express (47) defeated by Hawks Netball (49)
Melbourne University Lightning (44) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (50)
City West Falcons (89) defeated Casey Demons (51)
Ariels (47) defeated by Peninsula Waves (53)
Geelong Cougars (66) defeated North East Blaze (38)
It was a topsy turvy game to say the least with Hawks Netball overturning a five-goal three quarter time deficit to steal victory against Boroondara Express. After leading at every break, Express could not keep up that level of intensity with the Hawks slotting 12 goals to five in the final term to run away with the win.
Both sides boast notable shooting bookends – Kaylia Stanton for the Hawks and Ruby Barkmeyer for Express. Stanton controlled proceedings with her strong holds and work along the baseline as Barkmeyer used her turn of speed to create space inside the circle for Express. Through the midcourt the battle between Jasmine Ferguson and Taylor Brown was one to watch, the pair refusing to give an inch of space.
Division 1
Boroondara Express (40) defeated by Hawks Netball (44)
Melbourne University Lightning (50) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (41)
City West Falcons (50) defeated Casey Demons (23)
Ariels (41) defeated by Peninsula Waves (63)
Geelong Cougars (51) defeated by North East Blaze (55)
It is no surprise that the game between Geelong Cougars and North East Blaze went down to the wire with the two sides known for their competitive spirit and star power. In the end it was the Blaze that managed to topple the Cougars by four goals. Bursting out of the gates in the first quarter, Geelong had all the momentum but North East slowly wrestled back control to tie things up at half-time. From there Blaze grew with confidence and it showed on the scoreboard, holding the lead at the final change.
Cougars goal attack Georgia Cutherbertson and goal shooter Aleisha McDonald had their work cut out for them against Blaze defenders Ruby Tidd and Nakita Singe, the duo working hard to outmanoeuvre one another and claim prime position. Olivia Ellis was up to her usual tricks in wing defence for the Blaze, utilising her long arms and ability to read the play to cause roadblocks for the Geelong frontend.
19/Under
Boroondara Express (41) defeated by Hawks Netball (61)
Melbourne University Lightning (44) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (40)
City West Falcons (41) defeated by Casey Demons (52)
Ariels (45) defeated by Peninsula Waves (58)
Geelong Cougars (32) defeated by North East Blaze (67)
Melbourne University Lightning impressed in their narrow four-goal win against Wilson Storage Southern Saints. A second quarter blitz from the Lightning set them up for a strong win, nailing 12 goals to nine to lead by eight at half-time.
The injection of Lavinia Fox after half-time worked wonders, the youngster highlighting her versatility switching from wing attack into goal attack. Victorian 19/Under squad member Grace Markovic was in fine form in wing defence, using her drive through the midcourt to slice through the Saints’ pressure. Meanwhile Victorian 17/Under state team member Mia Van Wyk also plied her trade for the Saints down in the defensive goal circle with her long arms and tenacity shining through.
