KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The Peninsula Waves held off a late fight back from the Geelong Cougars to come out four-goal victors. The Waves jumped out to a 10-goal lead by half time, but a dominant third quarter from the Cougars saw them peg back the scoreline. They got to within two goals, but a composed Waves outfit applied the full court pressure and converted from their gains to take the win. April Bethune was integral in the Waves’ transition down court with her positioning on circle edge confusing Geelong’s attack. For the Cougars, Indya Forde and Charli Nicol won a lot of ball in crucial moments with their reach and closing speed.
- It was a big night at the post as City West Falcons continue their winning streak over the Casey Demons. Both sides were evenly matched, with their tall shooters serving as a cornerstone of their game. City West led by four goals at the end of the first quarter and continued to extend their lead at each break. The Falcons showcased their clinical game style with minimal turnovers while providing the ball into Jane Cook who shot 68 goals at 97%. Emma Ryde (46 goals, 92%) played a similar role for the Demons with her safe hands giving confidence to her midcourt.
- A commanding first half for the Western Warriors saw them get the win over the Gippsland Stars. The Warriors were up by 13 goals at the last break, but a strong fourth quarter effort by the Stars saw them reduce the deficit to six goals. It was a defensive masterclass in the Warriors midcourt while seamlessly transitioning in attack and get the ball into Kim Borger (42 goals, 93%) with ease. Ramayer Gourley’s (28 goals, 84%) shift into goal attack added more movement and height in the Stars shooting circle with her game smarts adding great value in their attack.
- A convincing second half saw Hawks Netball claim a nine-goal win over the Southern Saints. The Saints had a fierce start, winning the first quarter thanks to full court defensive pressure, but the injection of Sienna Green in centre was the spark that the Hawks needed to take the lead. Kate Oman provided great depth on second phase, opening the Saints attacking third to get the ball into Millie Roach (36 goals, 85%). Hawks midcourter Keighley Starrett was also a standout, getting plenty of tips in the pocket while also providing a great option at the top of the circle in attack.
23&Under
- Melbourne University Lightning took out a convincing win over Boroondara Express after a tight first quarter. Express’ fluid movement in attack and Lightning’s ball speed in the midcourt proved to be an exciting match up. Some key figures were missing for Express, which was evident after the first break as Lightning put their foot down. The combination of Chloe Eyre and Sahara Ball worked tirelessly in Boroondara’s shooting circle. For the Lightning, Annecy Lyon’s connection with Montaya Sardi was near unstoppable with the duo knowing each other’s next move.
- A dominant four quarter performance saw the Geelong Cougars defeat the Peninsula Waves. The margin was four goals for most of the first half, until the Cougars pushed the scoreline out to 12 goals at the final whistle. The formidable Cougars defensive duo of Charli Hoey and Mia Aitken stood tall again, constantly putting the Waves shooters under pressure. Down the other end, Madison Mullen’s footwork and body positioning put immense pressure on the feed with the ball falling her way on numerous occasions.
- A late fight back by the Southern Saints wasn’t enough as Hawks Netball won by one goal on the siren. Saints’ defensive duo Lucinda Gatt and Rachael Walker caused havoc in the first quarter, but the Hawks had exceptional vision into Dakota Blade (39 goals, 84%). Some crucial intercepts for the Saints saw them reduce the deficit from eight goals late in the game. Jasmine Hamilton’s vertical leap put doubt into the Saints feeders.
- The Bendigo Strikers have handed North East Blaze their first loss of the season. A 22-8 second quarter made it difficult for Blaze to get back into the contest after leading at the first break. The Strikers midcourt was a well-oiled machine, giving away minimal turnovers while winning ball in defence. There was no getting past Eliza Mooney who was able to break down the Blaze shooting circle, getting plenty of tips which were converted at the post with accuracy. Strikers Mackenzie O’Dwyer stuck tight on her opposition, closing off options on the centre pass. For Blaze, Dee Dee Lambert’s injection into goals provided great movement along the baseline.
RESULTS
Championship
City West Falcons (73) vs (64) Casey Demons
Peninsula Waves (55) vs (51) Geelong Cougars
Melbourne University Lightning (48) vs (64) Boroondara Express
Western Warriors (58) vs (52) Gippsland Stars
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47) vs (56) Hawks Netball
Bendigo Strikers (64) vs (41) North East Blaze
23&Under
City West Falcons (71) vs (47) Casey Demons
Peninsula Waves (48) vs (60) Geelong Cougars
Melbourne University Lightning (70) vs (45) Boroondara Express
Western Warriors (63) vs (38) Gippsland Stars
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (55) vs (56) Hawks Netball
Bendigo Strikers (64) vs (49) North East Blaze
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Will remain undisclosed for the final four rounds
NEXT UP – ROUND 16
First Nations Round
Wednesday 2 July
Casey Demons vs Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning vs North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars vs Boroondara Express
Sunday 6 July
Bendigo Strikers vs Western Warriors (Ballarat)
Geelong Cougars vs City West Falcons (Ballarat)
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