The competition proved to be as fierce as ever with several intense battles in Round 13! City West Falcons and Hawks Netball couldn't be split in Division 1; their match the sixth draw in the 2023 season.
CHAMPIONSHIP
City West Falcons (64) defeated Hawks Netball (52)
Ariels (51) defeated by Peninsula Waves (66)
Melbourne University Lightning (61) defeated Boroondara Express (42)
Casey Demons (51) defeated by Geelong Cougars (62)
North East Blaze (68) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (50)
Melbourne University Lightning made it two in a row with a 19-goal upset over Boroondara Express. Lightning’s Claudia Mawson and Mikaela Vaughan were phenomenal under the post, scoring a combined 61 goals, while Ramayer Gourley was a pillar in defence on the other end of the court. Isabelle Hodgeson fought hard for Express, but Lightning proved too hard to catch.
Geelong Cougars bounced back from last week’s loss, defeating Casey Demons by 11 goals. Cougars’ Zanna Woods shone in attack with 35 goals at 95% accuracy, while Brooke Allen produced another solid performance in goalkeeper. Demon’s Tayla Honey was relentless in the midcourt for the full 60 minutes.
In other matchups, City West Falcons and North East Blaze continued their hot form with wins against Hawks Netball and Southern Saints respectively. Peninsula Waves also tallied some points, celebrating their first win of 2023 after defeating Ariels by 15 goals. Clare Vearing led the way, scoring a spectacular 40 goals, while Lyshae Barry and Gretta Hankinson stood tall in defence.
DIVISION 1
City West Falcons (46) drew with Hawks Netball (46)
Ariels (70) defeated Peninsula Waves (63)
Melbourne University Lightning (65) defeated Boroondara Express (53)
Casey Demons (44) defeated by Geelong Cougars (66)
North East Blaze (71) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (53)
City West Falcons and Hawks Netball battled out the sixth draw of the season, with the sides shooting 46 goals apiece by the final siren. In what was the match of the round, 60 minutes of top tier netball was highlighted by outstanding defence from both sides. Hawks’ Chloe Duke had a night to remember with multiple intercepts, while Falcons’ Charli Nicol was equally as impressive, making the Hawks goalers work for every score.
Ariels recorded their third win of 2023 after defeating Peninsula Waves by seven goals. The crowd were treated to a standout performance from Emmalia Blake who scored an unbelievable 60 goals at 95% accuracy. Georgia Hellyer was also solid for Ariels, showcasing her court coverage and accurate passing in the side’s victory. Defender Kirra Parks was impressed by her team’s efforts and hopes it will set the standard for the remainder of the season.
“It was a really impressive win,” Parks said.
“We’ve decided what we want to do for the next six weeks of the season, and I think tonight really showed that.
“We showed a full court performance and really chose to put everything on the line. We want to progress that going into the next few weeks.”
19&UNDER
City West Falcons (55) defeated Hawks Netball (33)
Ariels (37) defeated by Peninsula Waves (57)
Melbourne University Lightning (63) defeated Boroondara Express (38)
Casey Demons (61) defeated Geelong Cougars (56)
North East Blaze (47) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (45)
North East Blaze continued their winning run with a narrow victory against Southern Saints. Blaze’s Ruby Shannon had an impressive night in the midcourt, finding space and creating opportunities across the court, while Shae Clifford was unstoppable in defence in the side’s two-goal victory. Saints’ Saachi Donald was valiant in goalkeeper against a strong Blaze attack.
Casey Demons are back on the winners list after edging out Geelong Cougars by five goals. Holly Stephens was on fire under the post, scoring 41 goals at 93% accuracy, while Lupe Fonua stood tall in defence with multiple intercepts throughout the match. Sharpshooter Tully Bethune fought hard for the Cougars with 40 goals at 95% accuracy.
UP NEXT
Round 14 – Wednesday 21 June
- Geelong Cougars vs Ariels
- Boroondara Express vs Hawks Netball
- Northeast Blaze vs Melbourne University Lightning (Livestream – KommunityTV)
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Casey Demons
Sunday 25 June
- Peninsula Waves vs City West Falcons - Somerville Recreation Centre (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
