Championship Division wrap:
Round 1 of the Victorian Netball League Championship Division lived up to the hype with Peninsula Waves causing a major upset, defeating Casey Demons by 13 goals.
The absence of goal shooter Emma Ryde was sorely felt by the Demons, and while former GIANT Kristina Brice got some court time it was not enough to rattle the Waves.
The Waves’ shooting combination of Olivia Wilkinson and Clare Vearing was on point as the duo managed to attack with great accuracy, powering ahead despite the best efforts of Demons captain Georgia Vines in defence.
Peninsula Waves defender, Gabrielle Dwyer highlighted her side’s intentions throughout the game given the new-look squad.
“We’re a bit of a new team playing together, we’re working on our connections and making sure that we really know each other and that we all want the ball, so that’s been our main focus.”
Headlined by new coaches including former Fijian Pearls head coach Megan Simpson and former Queensland Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke, the netball IQ at the club is through the roof according to Dwyer.
“They’ve been awesome. We’ve got a fresh coach in this year who hasn’t been at the club before, so having her new perspective has been really good.
“We’ve got Roselee Jencke down as well. She’s been good to oversee the program and help us out with some specialist coaching,” she said.
Results:
Boroondara (34) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (56)
Peninsula Waves (54) defeated Casey Demons (41)
City West Falcons (60) defeated by North East Blaze (64)
Hawks Netball (33) defeated by Geelong Cougars (58)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (43) drew with Ariels (43)
Division 1 wrap:
The battle between City West Falcons and North East Blaze was a tight tussle. In the end it was the Blaze that walked away with the four points to kickstart their 2022 campaign thanks to a dominant second half.
It was goal for goal to start the match with neither side willing to give an inch, but the experience of the Blaze started to come to the fore with the likes of Sam Coppinger, Bronwyn Taylor and Nikita Singe all stepping up to the plate in their respective thirds. For the Falcons Caitlin Hill was a strong presence under the post while Nyibol Akec found her groove in centre as the defensive efforts of Bess Schnioffsky offered plenty for the Falcons.
“We’ve been working on some new structures and some new attacking plays that we can put on when out on court, something that we haven’t done before,” Akec said.
When asked what the Falcons want to be known for this season, Akec highlighted the club’s desire to be renowned for their structures and consistency across the court.
“Definitely our attacking structure, we are working hard on that. But also our defence, like our zone, it’s something that we do a lot at City West Falcons.”
Results:
Boroondara (53) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (54)
Peninsula Waves (54) defeated Casey Demons (31)
City West Falcons (43) defeated by North East Blaze (58)
Hawks Netball (46) defeated by Geelong Cougars (47)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (50) defeated Ariels (47)
19&Under wrap:
VNL netball made its long-awaited return when Wilson Southern Storage Saints and Ariels took to the court last night, with the former prevailing by 16 goals (55-39).
Although the Ariels couldn’t get the job done in their match against the Saints, the Round 1 spectacle showcased plenty of up and coming talent and Ariels took plenty of positives out of their first hit out according to Mia Tanner and Ally Mellblom.
“I feel like it was so good to get our first game out and play with everyone. Our team is really new this year and young, so it’s different having a new team but I enjoyed it.” Mellblom said.
Donning a relatively new-look squad compared to last year, Tanner highlighted the Ariels’ main focus has been around communication and building connections right across the court to ensure they can transition the ball with ease.
“The new members are mainly defenders and midcourters so just communication between the middies and the goalers, and getting those connections going along with defenders working together in the circle,” she said.
For Mellblom, the main takeaways from the Round 1 performance was the belief in her side and confidence to make changes.
“Just the bond, having the communication with everyone and seeing the rotations that we can do and the different positions that everyone can play. Knowing that you’ve got your team there and they’ll have your back,” she said.
Looking ahead to Round 2, the Ariels are hoping to play more concise and composed netball to ensure they get the little things right and don’t get frazzled with ball in hand.
“Just keeping a cool head because we are so new, we have so many new players and this is their first time ever playing VNL. Just settling down is going to be our focus and making smart choices,” said Tanner.
Results:
Boroondara (32) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (53)
Peninsula Waves (62) defeated Casey Demons (51)
City West Falcons (50) defeated North East Blaze (43)
Hawks Netball (71) defeated Geelong Cougars (34)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (55) defeated Ariels (39)
