Round 12 of the VNL was headlined by fan favourite and former Melbourne Vixens star Renae Ingles making her return to netball with the Casey Demons. Her return wasn’t the only point of excitement with North East Blaze maintaining their undefeated streak in Division 1.
Championship:
Hawks Netball (51) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (56)
Geelong Cougars (85) defeated Peninsula Waves (42)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (51) defeated by Boroondara Express (54)
Casey Demons (60) defeated by City West Falcons (64)
Ariels (45) defeated by North East Blaze (73)
There was no shortage of close contests in the Championship division but the battle between Casey Demons and City West Falcons went down to the wire, the Falcons prevailing by four goals (60-64). Neither side could be separated in the opening half, but a third quarter charge from the Falcons gave them some much needed breathing room. Although the Demons fought back in the fourth, it was too little too late.
Despite all eyes being on the return of Ingles there was plenty of action across the rest of the court with captain Sharni Lambden impressing with her drive and athleticism. Jane Cook was in scintillating form for the Falcons as was Montana Holmes in centre, the duo creating a formidable partnership. Up the other end of the court Emma Ryde impressed for Casey as did youngster Poppy Douglass, but the injection of athletic goal keeper Melissa Oloamanu changed the course of the game. Oloamanu got plenty of hands to ball with teammate Zoe Davies also wreaking havoc down back.
Division 1:
Hawks Netball (70) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (34)
Geelong Cougars (49) defeated by Peninsula Waves (62)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (49) defeated by Boroondara Express (52)
Casey Demons (40) defeated by City West Falcons (62)
Ariels (45) defeated by North East Blaze (63)
The mid-table contest between Geelong Cougars and Peninsula Waves well and truly lived up to the hype, the two sides wrestling for momentum throughout the entire match. The Cougars held sway in the first quarter until Peninsula put the foot down to steal the lead and take home the win.
Sophie Hennessey was influential through the centre third showcasing both her offensive and defensive attributes while in the goal circle, Helen-Margeret Ashin and captain Stacie Gardiner were a commanding presence. Aleisha McDonald played her part inside the goal circle as did Georgia Cuthbertson. Kiahna Fallon worked hard through the midcourt trying to combat the work of Gardiner and her teammates.
19/Under:
Hawks Netball (57) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (56)
Geelong Cougars (45) defeated by Peninsula Waves (83)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (69) defeated Boroondara Express (29)
Casey Demons (45) defeated by City West Falcons (60)
Ariels (37) defeated by North East Blaze (56)
It was an absolute nailbiter in the 19/Under with Hawks Netball just scraping over the line against Melbourne University Lightning by one goal (57-56). Hawks came out with a point to prove in the first half before the Lightning fought their way back into the contest to tie things up at three quarter time, but they left their run too late as the Hawks showed their nerve to hold on and win.
Keeley Burgmann and Eliza Molino formed a damaging duo under the post for the Hawks with their confidence and accuracy to post on show against a strong Lightning defensive outfit. Grace Markovic worked hard for the Lightning down back while in attack Lavinia Fox provided a great option inside the circle.
