Several tight tussles and a number of upsets made for a heart-stopping round of VNL! The Saints and Falcons had a night to remember with both enjoying clean sweeps.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Boroondara Express (62) defeated Peninsula Waves (45)
City West Falcons (67) defeated Geelong Cougars (58)
Ariels (47) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (75)
North East Blaze (68) defeated by Casey Demons (69)
Melbourne University Lightning (48) defeated by Hawks Netball (52)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints made it two in a row with commanding win over Ariels. Vixens training partner Emily Andrew had another outstanding week in the circle, shooting 38 goals at 90% accuracy, while Tadiwa Kahonde was a rock in defence at the other end of the court. Ariels’ Tallulah Lewis was courageous in goal keeper but the Saints proved too good.
Casey Demons recorded their third victory of 2023 after defeating North East Blaze by one goal. In a match that came down to the wire, Demons’ Emma Ryde was the star of the show, scoring an unbelievable 60 goals at 94% accuracy. Demons’ Tayla Honey and Blaze’s Ruby Shannon were also impressive, their battle in the midcourt being another highlight throughout the match. Boroondara Express and City West Falcons continued their winning streaks, defeating the Waves and Cougars respectively, while Hawks Netball enjoyed a four-goal victory over Lightning.
DIVISION 1
Boroondara Express (56) defeated by Peninsula Waves (65)
City West Falcons (52) defeated Geelong Cougars (40)
Ariels (50) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (62)
North East Blaze (55) defeated Casey Demons (40)
Melbourne University Lightning (38) defeated by Hawks Netball (57)
City West Falcons continued their hot form with a 12-goal upset over Geelong Cougars. Falcons’ duo Chloe Langley and Teal Hocking were on fire under the post, while Georgina Cuthbertson fought hard for the Cougars, scoring more than half of their goals. Anger Akec starred in centre with her pinpoint passing on full display in the side’s sixth consecutive win.
Hawks Netball asserted some dominance against Melbourne University Lightning, claiming a 19-goal victory. Dominique Taylor shone in attack for the Hawks, scoring 30 of their 57 goals, while Chloe Duke and Olivia Barnett made it hard for Lightning’s goalers. Rene Caris was fearless in defence with multiple intercepts against a strong Hawks lineup. In other matchups, Blaze and the Saints enjoyed back-to-back wins, defeating the Demons and Ariels respectively.
19&UNDER
Boroondara Express (60) defeated Peninsula Waves (59)
City West Falcons (65) defeated Geelong Cougars (44)
Ariels (40) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (54)
North East Blaze (56) defeated Casey Demons (36)
Melbourne University Lightning (45) defeated Hawks Netball (44)
Boroondara Express enjoyed their second win of the season in a nailbiter against Peninsula Waves. It was a masterclass in attack on both ends of the court with Express’ Teah Wilson scoring a phenomenal 44 goals, while Charlize Gabel Joseph was a star for the Waves with 43. Ava Van Leemput was hard to stop in the midcourt, finding space throughout the match and helping her team to a one-goal victory.
In another tight and exciting contest, Melbourne University Lightning held off Hawks Netball by one goal. Amy Scott was valiant in attack for the Hawks, shooting 38 goals at 93% accuracy, against a solid Lightning defence led by Tepaea Hobson. Lightning’s captain Montaya Sardi had a great night in the middle and had nothing but praise for her side following their hard-fought victory.
“It was a really tough game, but I was proud of my team to get the win,” Sardi said.
UP NEXT
Round 11 | First Nations Round – Wednesday 31 May
- Casey Demons vs Melbourne University Lightning (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Boroondara Express vs City West Falcons
- North East Blaze vs Ariels
- Geelong Cougars vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
- Hawks Netball vs Peninsula Waves (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
