Sharp shooting and outstanding defence made for a gripping spectacle in Round 6 of VNL. Only two sides remain undefeated as the competition heats up!
CHAMPIONSHIP
Hawks Netball (45) defeated by Boroondara Express (64)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (48) defeated by Geelong Cougars (55)
Peninsula Waves (48) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (61)
Casey Demons (62) defeated by North East Blaze (73)
City West Falcons (82) defeated Ariels (35)
Boroondara Express are back on the winners list after defeating Hawks Netball by 19 goals. Express’ goal shooting trio were strong under the post, while Kaylia Stanton was valiant for the Hawks. Geelong Cougars claimed the points against the Saints in what was the match of the round. Heading into the match in third and fourth respectively, the Cougars proved too good in their seven-goal win. Zanna Woods and Daisy O’Kane were on fire for Geelong with 50 goals combined, while Emily Andrew scored 21 goals at 91% accuracy for the Saints.
City West Falcons asserted some dominance in a 47-goal win over Ariels at Altona Sports Centre. The home crowd were treated to a masterclass in attack with Jane Cook shooting at 94% and scoring 46 goals. The Falcons were also impressive at the other end of the court, showcasing outstanding defensive pressure throughout the match led by Zoe Davies. Lightning’s Grace Markovic and Ramayer Gourley celebrated 50 games for the club with a 13-goal win over Peninsula Waves. Lyshae Barry led Waves’ defence with multiple intercepts, but Lightning were too strong.
DIVISION 1
Hawks Netball (53) defeated by Boroondara Express (58)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47) defeated by Geelong Cougars (55)
Peninsula Waves (40) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (55)
Casey Demons (44) defeated by North East Blaze (58)
City West Falcons (54) defeated Ariels (41)
Melbourne University Lighting continued their winning streak with a victory over Peninsula Waves. Claire Oakley led in attack, shooting 38 of Lightning’s 55 goals, to help the side to a 15-goal win. The Waves fought hard, but Lightning’s wall of defence was too strong.
Geelong Cougars made it 6-0 and remain on top of the ladder after defeating the Saints by eight goals. In a well-rounded team performance, Grace Pullen and Kiahna Fallon shone for the Cougars, while Hayley Howard kept the Saints in the contest with 27 goals at 93% accuracy, and Lenna Bruun stood tall in defence against a solid Cougars attack. Boroondara Express and North East Blaze bounced back from Round 5, enjoying wins against Hawks Netball and the Demons. It was a special night for the Hawks as Daisy Hill played her 100th game this round.
19&UNDER
Hawks Netball (55) defeated Boroondara Express (41)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (46) defeated by Geelong Cougars (48)
Peninsula Waves (35) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (74)
Casey Demons (38) defeated by North East Blaze (68)
City West Falcons (63) defeated Ariels (37)
North East Blaze recorded back-to-back wins after a commanding victory over Casey Demons. Blaze shared the load in attack, fielding five goalers across the match. Helen Aumua was Blaze’s standout, shooting 28 goals at 88% accuracy in their 30-goal win. Holly Stephens was impressive for the Demons with 24 of their 38 goals.
City West Falcons showcased why they’re undefeated in 2023 with a dominant win against Ariels. Falcons’ Amalani Fauonuku and Holly Adams-Alcock were on fire under the post, while Charlotte Sexton was a welcome addition in defence. Geelong Cougars held off the Saints by two goals in the tightest tussle of the round, with Geelong’s goal keeper Georgia Howell standing strong in defence. Hawks and Melbourne University Lightning claimed victories against Boroondara Express and the Waves respectively.
UP NEXT
Round 7 – Wednesday 3 May
- Melbourne University Lightning vs City West Falcons (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs North East Blaze
- Peninsula Waves vs Geelong Cougars
- Hawks Netball vs Ariels (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Boroondara Express vs Casey Demons
