The first half of Round 16 of the VNL is complete, and it didn’t disappoint with a number of thrilling match-ups headlining Wednesday night. Melbourne University Lightning and Casey Demons wore their First Nations dresses to celebrate NAIDOC Week and the remaining sides wore our First Nations bibs.
Championship
Casey Demons (71) defeated Peninsula Waves (52)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (49) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (66)
Ariels (45) defeated by City West Falcons (70)
Geelong Cougars (76) defeated Boroondara Express (48)
The contest between Wilson Storage Southern Saints and Melbourne University Lightning lived up to the hype. In the end it was the Lightning that continued their hot form, claiming a strong win to solidify third spot and create some breathing room on the ladder.
The physicality was up inside the circle with Melbourne Vixens squad members Gabby Coffey and Emily Andrew going head-to-head. Coffey’s partnership with fellow defender and Vixens trainee Maggie Caris and the highly versatile Ramayer Gourley came in handy quelling the attacking movement from the Saints.
Down the other end of the court, the combination of Ash Barnett and Elly Randall had to work in overdrive to combat the presence of Mikaela Vaughan and Claudia Mawson who were getting silver service from Jordan Cransberg and Kelsie Rainbow through the midcourt as Lightning cruised to a convincing win.
Division 1
Casey Demons (48) defeated by Peninsula Waves (51)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (42) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (40)
Ariels (43) defeated by City West Falcons (57)
Geelong Cougars (59) defeated Boroondara Express (48)
The Casey Demons and Peninsula Waves clash went down to the wire. The Waves managed to hang on by a mere three goals showcasing their intent and never-say-die attitude, but it was not easy as the Demons made them fight for every single pass.
Taylah Butterworth was strong under the post for the Demons, combining nicely with youngster Myah Healey who showed she can mix it with the bigger bodies despite being just 17. The experience of Lyshae Barry was also instrumental through the midcourt as she spurred her side along.
Stacie Gardiner was a commanding presence inside the goal circle for the Waves with her impeccable timing and read of the play, and Lauren Spinks worked in overdrive to apply plenty of scoreboard pressure and seal the win. Meanwhile the defensive end of Adrienne Harris and Ebony Dolan paid off as they created confusion to pick up intercepts and deflections when it counted.
19/Under
Casey Demons (52) defeated by Peninsula Waves (67)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (57)
Ariels (44) defeated by City West Falcons (67)
Geelong Cougars (34) defeated by Boroondara Express (46)
Boroondara Express took home their first win of the 2022 season in their 19/Under clash against Geelong Cougars, collecting a 12-goal win. Sitting at the lower end of the table both sides had a point to prove, but it was the fight and desire from Express that got them over the line.
Saachi Donald was an unstoppable force in defence alongside teammate Bree Lane as they stopped any easy movement into the goal circle for the Cougars, who were led by Arlee Bennett and Isabella Graspas. The duo formed a strong partnership to add pressure to the scoreboard but simply couldn’t generate enough power to overcome Express.
Teah Wilson held her own inside the goal circle, posting up strongly while Lara Stefani and Piper Feikema impressed out in goal attack to keep the movement going. 16-year-old Louise Albrighton was a real workhorse in goal keeper up against Wilson while partner in crime Stella Talbot was also instrumental despite the loss.
