It was another blockbuster round of VNL action, with North East Blaze still unbeaten in Division 1 after a strong win over Peninsula Waves. While in the top of the table Championship division clash between Melbourne University Lightning and City West Falcons it was City West Falcons who came out victorious.
Championship
Melbourne University Lighting (52) defeated by City West Falcons (56)
Boroondara Express (62) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (53)
Geelong Cougars (63) defeated Casey Demons (51)
Ariels (47) defeated by Hawks Netball (58)
North East Blaze (75) defeated Peninsula Waves (49)
Despite a hotly contested opening quarter, North East Blaze were able to run away with a convincing 26 goal win over the Peninsula Waves (75-49). It was a close game in the opening minutes with the Waves defence led by Tilly Cook in goal keeper that shut down the impact of the Blaze shooters.
In the second quarter Nyah Allen moved out into goal attack with Georgia Moody going back to goal shooter in a move which worked a treat for the Blaze as they were able to pull away from the Waves as they started a strong run. With the combination once again showing how dangerous it can be.
The introduction of Abigail Gedge worked wonders, combining nicely with both Allen and Georgia Moody. Alex Moody was able to bring the speed into wing attack and fed the ball with ease into the shooters.
The combination of Tayissa Coppinger and Kaitlyn Black in defence worked quite well for the Blaze, really shutting down the Peninsula Waves goalers. In the final minutes of the game Coppinger moved into the centre which provided a point of difference. While for the Waves, Sussu Liai was strong in wing defence with her pressure over the ball causing turnovers and was able to come away with a few intercepts of her own.
Division 1
Ariels (48) defeated by Hawks Netball (59)
Melbourne University Lightning (60) defeated by City West Falcons (62)
North East Blaze (60) defeated Peninsula Waves (52)
Boroondara Express (49) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (55)
Geelong Cougars (64) defeated Casey Demons (44)
It was a great clash between Boroondara Express and Wilson Storage Southern Saints in Division 1 last night with the Southern Saints coming home strong with a six goal win over Express. Despite Boroondara getting out to a 4-0 lead in the opening minutes of the match, the Saints were able to hold the momentum to come away victorious.
The combination of Abbey Ryan and Ariana Luamanu worked early for Express having the pair dominate the circle but as the game went on Saints defenders Georgie Whittle and Cassandra Grigoriadis started to get their hands in and come away with possession.
Zahli Adams proved to be a headache for reigning Division 1 MVP Chelsea Sartori and was able to really nullify her impact. While Lily Graham and Mia Washington were almost unstoppable, creating a formidable partnership.
Tiahnee Farrell came on for Boroondara and while dominating under the post, it didn’t stop Grigoriadis from winning plenty of the ball back for her side. The Saints went into the final quarter with a 10 goal lead, although it didn’t stop a strong surge from Express with Brianna Hipwell strong in defence in the last half.
19/Under
Boroondara Express (39) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (54)
Geelong Cougars (50) defeated Casey Demons (47)
Ariels (43) defeated by Hawks Netball (55)
Melbourne University Lightning (56) defeated City West Falcons (52)
North East Blaze (54) defeated by Peninsula Waves (49)
After a tight opening quarter the Wilson Storage Southern Saints were able to come away with a 15 goal win over Boroondara Express (54-39).
Express seemed to have all the run in the opening quarter but it was a very defensive opening quarter with the defenders winning the ball back for both teams as well as the midcourters getting the ball back for their team.
The midcourt speed from Express in the opening term was a highlight, especially from centre, Ella Harvey, who’s feeding to goal shooter Teah Wilson was on point. During the second quarter Southern Saints midcourter Millie Hogg moved into centre and provided that run throughout the court, as well as putting on a great defensive performance getting her hand into a few intercepts.
Wilson and Laura Stefani created a strong goal circle for the Express, especially in that opening quarter but Saints defenders, led by Mia van Wyk alongside Megan Galletti started to work their way back into the game with the Saints capitalising down the other end through the likes of Sophia Bloch, Isabella Templeton and Malia Seumanutafa all proving to be dominant in the goal circle.
