Another exciting round of VNL saw some nail-biting action spread across the week! The Hawks, Cougars and Lightning were unstoppable, all enjoying wins in each division.
CHAMPIONSHIP
City West Falcons (71) defeated North East Blaze (54)
Casey Demons (74) defeated Ariels (53)
Melbourne University Lightning (62) defeated Peninsula Waves (55)
Hawks Netball (65) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (48)
Geelong Cougars (56) defeated Boroondara Express (41)
City West Falcons continued their hot form with 17-goal win over North East Blaze. Jane Cook had a night to remember under the post, scoring 47 goals at 95% accuracy, while Sienna Allen was solid in goalkeeper at the other end of the court. Blaze’s Nyah Allen fought hard with 32 goals, but the ladder leaders proved too strong.
Geelong Cougars have risen to second on the Championship ladder after defeating Boroondara Express by 15 goals. Cougars’ Zanna Wood and Emma Buwalda combined well in the circle with 51 goals between them, while Brooke Allen produced another stellar performance in defence. Wurdi Baierr Stadium was also treated to a fierce battle in the midcourt between Zara Walters and Taylah Brown.
In other matchups, Melbourne University Lightning and Casey Demons enjoyed victories against Peninsula Waves and Ariels respectively, while Hawks Netball rejoined the winners list after defeating the Saints. Hawks’ Kaylia Stanton was unstoppable in the side’s 17-goal win, scoring a phenomenal 57 goals at 95% accuracy, while Lauren Hucker stood tall in goalkeeper.
DIVISION 1
City West Falcons (46) defeated by North East Blaze (49)
Casey Demons (40) defeated by Ariels (44)
Melbourne University Lightning (55) defeated Peninsula Waves (42)
Hawks Netball (56) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (55)
Geelong Cougars (71) defeated Boroondara Express (34)
It was a round of tight tussles in Division 1, with North East Blaze, Ariels and Hawks Netball all enjoying close wins last week. Blaze continued their winning streak after holding off City West Falcons by three goals. Abby Gedge was impressive in the circle, scoring 42 of Blaze’s 49 goals, while Maddi Wallmeyer was hard to stop in the midcourt.
In another match that went down to the wire, Hawks Netball held off the Southern Saints by just one goal at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium. Kaila Swindell was outstanding in the middle, showcasing her court coverage and pinpoint passing throughout the 60 minutes. Saints’ Hayley Howard also had a great night with 46 goals against a strong Hawks defence.
Ariels enjoyed their fourth victory of 2023 after defeating the Demons at Casey Stadium. The match was highlighted by several strong performances in the midcourt, with Ariels’ Georgia Hellyer and Cassandra Grigoriadis leading the way. Demons’ Sarah McCabe was also fantastic in wing attack, finding space and creating opportunities throughout the match.
19&UNDER
City West Falcons (43) defeated North East Blaze (41)
Casey Demons (49) defeated Ariels (48)
Melbourne University Lightning (66) defeated Peninsula Waves (49)
Hawks Netball (44) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (36)
Geelong Cougars (54) defeated Boroondara Express (44)
Geelong Cougars are back on the winners list following a ten-goal win over Boroondara Express. Cougars’ goalers Arlee Bennett, Yolande Miller and Tully Bethune combined well under the post, while Lucinda Gatt fought hard for Express. Midcourter Rosie Todd was also strong for the Cougars, helping her side to their third victory of 2023.
Melbourne University Lightning continued their dominance after defeating Peninsula Waves by 17 goals. The crowd were treated to masterclass in attack from both sides, with Lightning’s Kate O’Dwyer sinking an unbelievable 58 goals, while Charlize Gabel Joseph had another blinder with 45.
In two close contests, City West Falcons were victorious in a nail-biter against Blaze, while only a single goal separated Casey Demons and Ariels by the final whistle. Falcons’ Charlotte Sexton had another great week in goalkeeper, while Blaze’s Ruby Shannon gave it her all in the midcourt. Demon Holly Stephens led their attack with 26 goals, while Ariel’s Annecy Lyon was equally as impressive with 26 goals of her own.
Hawks Netball also tallied some points this week, recording back-to-back wins after defeating the Saints by eight goals. Local Sienna Green showcased Gippsland’s talent, producing a great game in front of a packed home stadium.
UP NEXT
Round 16
Wednesday 5 July
- City West Falcons vs Melbourne University Lightning
- Ariels vs Hawks Netball – Maroondah Nets
- Casey Demons vs Boroondara Express – Casey Stadium (Livestream – KommunityTV)
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Peninsula Waves – Oakleigh Recreation Centre
Sunday 9 July
- North East Blaze vs Geelong Cougars – La Trobe Sports Stadium (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
