The Victorian Netball League celebrated First Nations Round thanks to the support of RACV, teams donning specially designed dresses and bibs as part of the round's activities to recognise the world's oldest continuous living culture.
KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The City West Falcons move into top spot on the ladder, knocking off Boroondara Express after defeating them by nine goals. Express were in it with a fight, but an early lead was sustained by the Falcons, headed up by Jane Cook’s 52 goals (95%).
- Returning to Australian soil earlier this year after a stint in the ANZ Premiership competition in New Zealand, Melbourne Mavericks’ Kristiana Manu’a suited up for Bendigo Strikers, helping the side to a three-goal win with an incredible intercept in the dying minutes. WS Southern Saints were good early until the Strikers gained momentum to begin a neck and neck battle. It wasn’t until a four-goal streak from Teal Hocking within the last two minutes that saw Strikers clinch the win.
23&Under
- In what could prove to be a grand final preview, the Hawks took a seven-goal win over MU Lightning. Despite having players out with injury, the Hawks still managed to come out on top in a tight fight across the four quarters, breaking away in the final term and cementing their spot at the top of the table.
- North East Blaze continued their winning streak with a convincing win over Gippsland Stars. Olivia Cawthray and Ella Tennant dominated the circle from the first whistle and led their side to a 25-goal win.
RESULTS
Championship
Geelong Cougars (53) vs (62) Casey Demons
MU Lightning (50) vs (57) Hawks Netball
Bendigo Strikers (48) vs (45) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Boroondara Express (55) vs (64) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (53) vs (70) Western Warriors
*North East Blaze BYE
23&Under
Geelong Cougars (56) vs (36) Casey Demons
Gippsland Stars (39) vs (64) North East Blaze
MU Lightning (49) vs (56) Hawks Netball
Bendigo Strikers (55) vs (65) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Boroondara Express (43) vs (48) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (51) vs (43) Western Warriors
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
1. 555 - Kaylia Stanton (Hawks)
2. 547 - Jane Cook (Falcons)
3. 527 - Kim Borger (Warriors)
23&Under
1. 442 - Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
2. 424 - Hayley Howard (Saints)
3. 397 - Ella Closter (Warriors)
NEXT UP – ROUND 15
Wednesday 5 June
State Netball Centre, Parkville
- North East Blaze vs Casey Demons
- Gippsland Stars vs Western Warriors (23&U only – Championship BYE)
- Peninsula Waves vs Geelong Cougars
- Boroondara Express vs MU Lightning
- Bendigo Strikers vs Hawks Netball
- City West Falcons vs WS Southern Saints
