The VNL celebrated its second annual First Nations Round this week thanks to the support of RACV. The clubs showed their support and recognition for our First Nations communities by donning First Nations bibs, while Melbourne University Lightning, Ariels, Casey Demons and Wilson Storage Southern Saints wore their First Nations dresses for the occasion.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Casey Demons (64) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (45)
Boroondara Express (61) defeated by City West Falcons (69)
North East Blaze (64) defeated Ariels (44)
Geelong Cougars (57) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (45)
Hawks Netball (69) defeated Peninsula Waves (44)
City West Falcons are a game clear on the ladder after defeating Boroondara Express by eight goals. Falcons’ Jane Cook produced another standout performance under the post, scoring an unbelievable 60 goals at 100% accuracy, while Isabelle Hodgeson was impressive at the other end of the court with 38 for Express. Maggie Lind was solid in the Falcons’ midcourt, showcasing her pinpoint passing throughout the four quarters.
North East Blaze have bounced back from last week’s narrow loss with a commanding victory over Ariels. In what was a well-rounded team performance, Championship debutant Tara Watson shone defensively with multiple intercepts in the side's 20-goal victory. Blaze also enjoyed Nyah Allen’s return, who seamlessly rejoined the team following an extended absence from the sport. Captain Ty Coppinger had another outstanding night in goalkeeper and was full of praise for the duo following the side’s win.
“It was a really good team performance, but we had Tara (Watson) come up from 19s to play her first game in Champ... she really held her own and played a good game. It was great to see,” Coppinger said.
“It was also good to have Nyah (Allen) back in the squad.
“She’s been part of our club and our side for the past couple of years, so to be able to bring her back in and for her to slot in seamlessly was really nice.”
DIVISION 1
Casey Demons (35) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (53)
Boroondara Express (49) defeated by City West Falcons (62)
North East Blaze (64) defeated Ariels (44)
Geelong Cougars (75) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (51)
Hawks Netball (69) defeated Peninsula Waves (42)
Geelong Cougars have rejoined the winners list with a big win against the Saints. Cougars’ Ellen Doyle was on fire in the circle, shooting a phenomenal 45 goals, while Hayley Howard starred for Saints with 32 of their 51 goals. Kiahna Fallon was unstoppable in the middle, finding space across the court and helping her side to a 24-goal victory. Melbourne University Lightning also enjoyed a rebounding victory following last week’s loss, claiming the points against Casey Demons. Lightning’s Alex Booker had a great night under the post, while Monique Tarrant’s court coverage was on full display in their 18-goal win. Stephanie McNay and Charlie Seivers were valiant in defence, but Lightning proved too good.
Hawks Netball made it five in a row with a dominant victory over Peninsula Waves. It was a masterclass in attack from Hawks’ Dominique Taylor, scoring 55 goals at 92% accuracy, while April Bethune fought hard in goal defence against a strong Hawks outfit. Kate Fletcher was impressive in the middle, finding space across the court throughout the match. In other matchups, City West Falcons and North East Blaze also recorded Round 10 wins, defeating Boroondara Express and Ariels respectively.
19&UNDER
Casey Demons (47) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (59)
Boroondara Express (40) defeated by City West Falcons (56)
North East Blaze (65) defeated Ariels (33)
Geelong Cougars (42) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (55)
Hawks Netball (50) defeated Peninsula Waves (35)
Ladder leaders North East Blaze continued their hot form with a convincing 32-goal win against Ariels. Blaze’s Helen Aumua and Dakota Blade were spectacular under the post in goal shooter, scoring a combined 49 goals across the match, while Luiza Sulemani was a pillar defence at the opposite end of the court. Tahlia Bradshaw was courageous for Ariels with multiple rebounds in a tough match.
Wilson Storage Southern Saints enjoyed back-to-back wins, taking down Geelong Cougars by 13 goals. Rory Barr was strong in attack for the Saints, scoring 32 goals at 91% accuracy, while Cougars’ goalers Tully Bethune, Isabelle Grapsas and Arlee Bennett fought hard under their post against a strong Saints defence led by Saachi Donald. Hawks Netball also enjoyed a win this week, bouncing back and defeating Peninsula Waves. Eliza Molino and Emma Storey made life hard for the Waves’ attack, while Sienna Green had a memorable night in centre to help the side to a 15-goal victory.
UP NEXT
Round 12 – Wednesday 7 June
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Melbourne University Lightning vs Geelong Cougars (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
- Ariels vs City West Falcons
- Peninsula Waves vs North East Blaze
- Hawks Netball vs Casey Demons - Oakleigh Recreational Centre
