The competition proved to be as fierce as ever with three draws in Round 16! The Hawks were unstoppable, clean sweeping Ariels at Maroondah Nets.
CHAMPIONSHIP
City West Falcons (59) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (49)
Ariels (52) defeated by Hawks Netball (68)
Casey Demons (62) defeated by Boroondara Express (64)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (61) defeated by Peninsula Waves (70)
North East Blaze (51) drew with Geelong Cougars (51)
Boroondara Express have rejoined the winners list after holding off Casey Demons by two goals. The crowd were treated to a masterclass in attack from both sides with Isabelle Hodgson scoring a phenomenal 48 goals at 94% accuracy, while Emma Ryde slotted 48 of her own. Express’ Casey Adamson had another great night in the middle, showcasing her court coverage and ability to read play throughout the 60 minutes.
North East Blaze and Geelong Cougars couldn’t be separated in their top four showdown, scoring 51 apiece by the final whistle. Blaze’s Georgia Moody and Nyah Allen combined well under the post with 49 goals between them, while Emma Buwalda and Zanna Woods were equally as impressive with 47 on the other end of the court. Blaze defender Ty Coppinger stood tall in goal defence, while Brooke Allen was a pillar in the Cougars’ back third.
In other matchups, Peninsula Waves and Hawks Netball enjoyed wins against the Saints and Ariels respectively. City West Falcons also tallied some points, continuing their hot form with a ten-goal win against Melbourne University Lightning. Jane Cook was on fire in the circle, scoring 47 goals at 96% accuracy, while Lightning’s Maggie Caris was valiant in defence.
DIVISION 1
City West Falcons (58) drew with Melbourne University Lightning (58)
Ariels (39) defeated by Hawks Netball (56)
Casey Demons (49) drew with Boroondara Express (49)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (68) defeated Peninsula Waves (53)
North East Blaze (60) defeated Geelong Cougars (42)
Division 1 was treated to two nail-biting draws this round; City West Falcons drew with Melbourne University Lightning, while Casey Demons and Boroondara Express also shared the points. Sitting in fourth and fifth, the Falcons and Lighting played out a 58-goal draw at the State Netball Centre. Teal Hocking and Alex Booker were solid in attack, both scoring 36 goals for their sides, while Monique Tarrant and Chelsea Imanisani fought it out in the middle. In the other back and forth tussle, Casey Demons and Boroondara Express drew at Casey Stadium. Scoring 49 goals apiece, Myah Healey stood up for the home side with 32, while Chelsea Quinn sunk 29 for Express. Midcourters Jessica Leader and Emily Zeuschner also played well for their sides.
Hawks Netball have risen to the top of the ladder after defeating Ariels by 17 goals. Kaila Swindell produced another impressive performance in the middle, while Daisy Hill had a great night under the post with 34 goals. Ariels’ Kirra Parks gave it her all in goalkeeper, but the ladder leaders proved too strong. North East Blaze also continued their winning streak, enjoying an 18-goal win over Geelong Cougars at Latrobe University Sports Stadium. Blaze’s Abby Gedge and Amanda Umanski combined well in the circle, while Olivia Ellis and Maddison Wallmeyer starred in the midcourt. Cougars’ Georgia Finn and Elisa Hall fought hard to keep their side in the game.
Wilson Storage Southern Saints bounced back from last week’s narrow loss with a 15-goal victory against Peninsula Waves. Hayley Howard had night to remember for the winning side, scoring a stellar 42 goals at 93% accuracy. April Bethune was also impressive with 34 goals against a strong Saints defence.
19&UNDER
City West Falcons (35) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (44)
Ariels (56) defeated by Hawks Netball (63)
Casey Demons (46) defeated Boroondara Express (39)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (43) defeated by Peninsula Waves (56)
North East Blaze (65) defeated Geelong Cougars (36)
Melbourne University Lightning are a game clear on the 19&U ladder after defeating City West Falcons by nine goals. Akira McCormack and Kate O’Dwyer were on fire in attack, scoring a combined 39 goals, while Falcons’ Holly Adam-Alcock was courageous with 25. The match was also highlighted by a fierce battle in the midcourt between Mimi Lockwood and Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale.
Peninsula Waves enjoyed their fourth victory of 2023, claiming the points against Wilson Storage Southern Saints. Charlize Gabel Joseph continued her unbelievable form with a 40-goal game, while Talia Anderson was hard to fault in defence. Goalers Bella Templeton and Rory Barr were fearless for the Saints in the side’s 13-goal loss.
Casey Demons made it two in a row with a seven-goal win over Boroondara Express. Holly Stephens led the way, scoring 33 of their 46 goals, while Lupe Fonua had another great night in goal defence. In other matches, Hawks Netball also enjoyed a seven-goal victory against Ariels, while North East Blaze bounced back from consecutive losses with a demanding 29-goal win over the Cougars. Talasa Helen Aumua and Dakota Blade were outstanding with 49 goals combined, while Luiza Sulemani and Ayva Tanfara were strong defensively.
UP NEXT
Round 17
Wednesday 12 July
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs City West Falcons (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
- Geelong Cougars vs Hawks Netball
- Melbourne University Lightning vs Ariels (Livestream – KommunityTV)
- Boroondara Express vs North East Blaze
Sunday 16 July
