KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- It wasn’t a night of celebration for Hawks Netball, whose head coach, AJ Ballantyne notched up 150 VNL games. The preliminary final rematch between the Hawks and Boroondara Express featured a dominant fourth quarter performance that had Express seal a 12-goal victory. A formidable connection between Ruby Barkmeyer (16 goals at 84% accuracy) and Bella Hodgson (40 goals at 91%). Sienna Green’s precision feeding was critical for the Hawks to remain in the contest.
- Over on court 1, a milestone game inspired North East Blaze to a 20-goal win. Maddi Wallmeyer and her side rose to the occasion for the midcourter’s 150th game for the club. The Waves were unable to stop Blaze’s run, however the injection of Lauren Spinks into the shooting circle had the midcourt more confident on the feed with a moving circle. Blaze’s Ty Coppinger and Kaitlyn Black were tenacious, winning ball that was converted at the post.
- It was a competitive start for the Western Warriors and Bendigo Strikers, however a surge from the Strikers put them ahead. It was a best on performance by Gabe Richards (45 goals at 85%), supported well by Melbourne Mavericks training partner, Emma Walters. The Warriors threw everything at the game, rotating through all 12 players. Rebecca Hicks was strong under the post (38 goals at 91%) in her second VNL match.
23&Under
- Boroondara Express defeated the reigning premiers, Hawks Netball with an early 10-1 lead. Hawks were on the back foot, however constant efforts from Eloise Argoon and Jasmine Hamilton gave the side hope. Henrietta Donoghue was a weapon at the post shooting 35 goals (86%).
- An established start from North East Blaze had them leading by 20 goals at halftime. Olivia Cawthray (46 goals, 86%) made her presence felt early, to complement perfect feeding from Taiysha Wallis. Waves unable to catch up with Blaze, despite the best efforts of Charlize Gabel-Joseph who shot 34 goals at 86%.
- The City West Falcons put out a confident performance over the Gippsland Stars. Amalani Fauonuku scored 40 goals (83%) while playing with three different goal attacks. Paris Dunkley and Hollie Bugeja were fluid in the midcourt for the Stars.
- Casey Demons pulled out a seven goal lead in the first quarter, led by goaler Grace Ioelu (16 goals at 84%). A fight back was mounted by the Saints, who brought on Rose Laidlaw (23 goals at 92%), however Casey prevailed in front of a strong home crowd, thanks to a four quarter effort from defender Lupe Fonua.
RESULTS
Championship
Gippsland Stars (37) vs (84) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (46) vs (66) North East Blaze
Boroondara Express (58) vs (46) Hawks Netball
Western Warriors (50) vs (65) Bendigo Strikers
Geelong Cougars (49) vs (37) Melbourne University Lightning
Casey Demons (59) vs (50) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
23&Under
Gippsland Stars (37) vs (59) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (55) vs (74) North East Blaze
Boroondara Express (61) vs (48) Hawks Netball
Western Warriors (40) vs (57) Bendigo Strikers
Geelong Cougars (45) vs (60) Melbourne University Lightning
Casey Demons (52) vs (49) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
- 141 - Jane Cook (Falcons)
- 85 - Emma Ryde (Demons)
- 84 - Ashlea Mawer (Hawks)
23&Under
- 97 - Olivia Cawthray (Blaze)
- 69 - Henrietta Donoghue (Express)
- 67 - Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
NEXT UP – ROUND 3
Wednesday 26 March
- Casey Demons vs City West Falcons
- Geelong Cougars vs Gippsland Stars
- Bendigo Strikers vs Boroondara Express
- Western Warriors vs North East Blaze
- Hawks Netball vs Melbourne University Lightning
Friday 28 March
- Peninsula Waves vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints (Jubilee Park, Frankston) - PURCHASE TICKETS
