It was a tough night out for teams in the Victorian Netball League, with some blowout scores dictating the results in Round 14.
19/Under
Melbourne University Lightning (53) defeated North East Blaze (43)
Hawks Netball (70) defeated Ariels (46)
Casey Demons (50) defeated by Geelong Cougars (54)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (39) defeated by City West Falcons (57)
After an impressive couple of weeks, Wilson Storage Southern Saints met their match against the City West Falcons last night who eventually stormed home with an 18-goal win. In pole position, the Southern Saints started with an impressive line-up, opting to put traditional circle defender Mia van Wyk into wing defence to provide shield-like support to the formidable shooting circle of Teal Hocking and Manyiel Adut. However, the connection between Elsie Boyer and Hocking proved too strong for any of the combinations the Saints attempted.
Down the other end of the court, it was a defensive masterclass from the electric duo of Charli Nicol and Achel Yout. Yout, dazzled in the circle reading the play and perfectly positioning herself against opponent Malia Seumanutafa to win ball back for the City West Falcons. Nicol also lathered on the pressure, going out hunting for loose balls and intercepted a number of cross-court passes to help seal the deal for the Falcons.
Division 1
Melbourne University 46 defeated by North East Blaze 61
Hawks Netball 63 defeated Ariels 40
Casey Demons 54 defeated Geelong Cougars 53
Wilson Storage Southern Saints 47 defeated by City West Falcons 64
Trailing for most of the game, it was a last-chance effort that allowed Casey Demons to secure the win over finals contender Geelong Cougars. The Cougars were fast out of the blocks establishing a seven-goal lead to finish the first quarter and were determined to hold onto the win. But a blockbuster final term from the Demons put those dreams to rest to steal an epic win.
Brittany Mashado was hard to shut down in the midcourt working well with Alesina Toleafoa in the last term to find access to circle edge and Demons’ goalers Taylah Butterworth. Geelong had a number of strong contributors with Aleisha McDonald putting in the hard-yards under the post while Georgia Cutherbertson was also a commanding force in the circle. Defensively Ellen Boyle and Laura Giles applied a wealth of pressure for the Cougars.
Championship
Melbourne University 57 defeated North East Blaze 55
Hawks Netball 56 defeated Ariels 40
Casey Demons 50 defeated by Geelong Cougars 68
Wilson Storage Southern Saints 60 defeated by City West Falcons 68
It was a different story to tell in round 14 for the Melbourne University Lightning who narrowly took a two-goal win over the North East Blaze. Missing Vixens training partner, Gabby Coffey, the Lightning opted for a Maggie Caris and Maddy Stewart line-up to take on Nyah Allen, Sarah Hogan and Abigail Gedge. Already having an impressive campaign this season Stewart demonstrated why you shouldn’t underestimate her speed out on court. Although it was Maggie Caris that came out and dominated the goal circle utilising her speed and defensive nous to shut down opponent Nyah Allen and obtain some timely deflections.
With a mobile defensive circle this week, it allowed Jordan Cransberg the freedom to move down the court in quick succession which was ultimately the winner of this game thanks to the pinpoint perfect feeds into their shooters Alex Booker and Ramayer Gourley.
