It was an action-packed Round 4 in the Victorian Netball League with the State Netball Centre hosting all the action. Geelong Cougars maintained their undefeated record in the Championship division while Wilson Storage Southern Saints showed their colours in 19/Under.
Championship:
Casey Demons (65) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (51)
North East Blaze (58) defeated Ariels (49)
Boroondara Express (36) defeated by Geelong Cougars (48)
Hawks Netball (55) defeated City West Falcons (53)
Melbourne University Lightning (60) defeated Peninsula Waves (37)
Reigning premiers Geelong Cougars collected their fourth win of the season downing Boroondara Express by 12 goals. Express held a handy four-goal lead at the first change but that all changed as Geelong kicked into gear, piling on 14 goals to eight in the second quarter to reverse the margin.
The Cougars impressed with their silky ball movement and accuracy to post enabling them to keep pushing out the scoreline. Goalers Julia Woolley and Zanna Woods were on fire while newcomer Zara Walters was strong through the midcourt. Michelle Massarany put in the hard yards in goal keeper for Express while Zali Anderson worked hard to limit the transitional speed down to the court, but it was to no avail.
Defensively Brooke Allan was sound for the Cougars, her added centimetres enabling her to contest in the air and propel the ball back down court against Isabel Hodgson. Mel Bragg showcased her versatility for the Cougars, donning the goal defence bib to combat the speed and craft of Express goaler Ruby Barkmeyer who worked tirelessly in attack.
Division 1:
Casey Demons (38) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47)
North East Blaze (62) defeated Ariels (46)
Boroondara Express (58) defeated by Geelong Cougars (60)
Hawks Netball (52) defeated City West Falcons (38)
Peninsula Waves (46) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (36)
Peninsula Waves secured their fourth win of the 2022 season to remain undefeated. In a relatively low-scoring match the Waves managed to control proceedings in attack and capitalise on their defensive turnovers to pull away in the second half.
The Waves found their groove in the second quarter with goalers Lauren Spinks and Chloe Philips dominating inside the goal circle, forcing Jasmine Fraser and Eliza Gollant onto the backfoot despite some of their best work. Peninsula captain, Stacie Gardiner was influential in wing attack with Shannon Blackman hot on her tail, swinging into wing defence after half time for the Lightning.
19/Under:
Casey Demons (31) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (70)
North East Blaze (68) defeated Ariels (43)
Boroondara Express (41) defeated by Geelong Cougars (54)
Hawks Netball (39) defeated by City West Falcons (41)
Peninsula Waves (53) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (54)
Hawks Netball suffered their first loss of the 2022 season falling to City West Falcons in a nail-biting finish. It was neck and neck to start the game sitting at 11 goals apiece at quarter time, before the Hawks pulled away in the second to establish a two-goal lead. But the Falcons refused to lie down, hitting back in the third and stealing the lead at the final change thanks to some accurate shooting.
Elsie Boyer was electric through the midcourt connecting with partner in crime Kiralee Collings for City West. Kahlan Tanoi was crafty out in wing defence for the Falcons, working in overdrive to shut down the movement of Hawks wing attack Simona Di Filippo. Hawks goaler Keeley Burgmann provided a strong option under the post while down the other end of the court Eliza Molino was a constant defensive threat.
