Commanding performances and nail-biting finishes provided plenty of action at the State Netball Centre on Wednesday night. Some exciting matchups saw early front-runners now sitting on the top of the ladder after Round 4.
CHAMPIONSHIP
North East Blaze (47) defeated by City West Falcons (67)
Boroondara Express (51) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (45)
Peninsula Waves (48) defeated by Ariels (64)
Geelong Cougars (52) defeated Casey Demons (40)
Hawks Netball (58) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (51)
Boroondara Express remain the last undefeated team after four rounds, handing Wilson Storage Southern Saints their first loss of the season. Emily Andrew scored 31 of the Saints’ 45 goals but Boroondara’s goal-scoring trio proved too good, cementing Express at the top of the ladder.
North East Blaze’s winning streak also came to a halt with the City West Falcons claiming the points in convincing fashion. Jane Cook scored 26 goals and shot at 96% accuracy in the team’s 20-goal win. Ariels recorded their first victory of the season, defeating Peninsula Waves, while Geelong Cougars and Hawks Netball also enjoyed wins against the Demons and the Lightning.
DIVISION 1
Geelong Cougars (65) defeated Casey Demons (44)
Boroondara Express (50) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (59)
Hawks Netball (42) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (51)
North East Blaze (43) defeated City West Falcons (41)
Peninsula Waves (51) defeated by Ariels (52)
Geelong Cougars continued their hot and undefeated form with a commanding win over Casey Demons. Rebecca O’Neill was the star of show, scoring 36 goals at 92% accuracy in the team’s 21-goal win. The Saints and Lightning both claimed fourth round victories, defeating Boroondara Express and Hawks Netball respectively each by nine goals.
In two tight tussles, North East Blaze were victorious in a nail-biter against the Falcons, while just one goal separated Peninsula Waves in their narrow loss to the Ariels. Abigail Gedge led the Blaze’s attack, scoring 33 of their 43 goals. Peninsula’s Ella Roberton shot at 93% accuracy and scored 42 goals, but the valiant performance fell just short against a strong Ariels outfit.
19&UNDER
Peninsula Waves (60) defeated Ariels (44)
Hawks Netball (36) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (46)
Geelong Cougars (41) defeated by Casey Demons (55)
North East Blaze (45) defeated by City West Falcons (47)
Boroondara Express (39) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (61)
Reigning champions City West Falcons now sit on top of the ladder after handing North East Blaze their first loss for 2023. The tight back-and-forth contest eventually saw Falcons claim the win by two goals. Melbourne University Lightning continued their winning form with a 10-goal victory over Hawks Netball. Akira McCormack and Kate O’Dwyer were impressive up front for the Lightning, while Amy Scott was Hawks’ best, scoring 29 of their 36 goals at 90% accuracy.
Casey Demons and the Waves claimed wins against Geelong Cougars and Ariels, while Wilson Storage Southern Saints were victorious over Boroondara Express with a commanding 22-goal win.
UP NEXT
Round 5
Friday 21 April - State Netball Centre
- Ariels vs Geelong Cougars
- City West Falcons vs Boroondara Express
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Hawks Netball (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Melbourne University Lighting vs North East Blaze
Sunday 23 April - Casey Stadium
