Only one side remains undefeated after seven rounds of VNL. North East Blaze, Geelong Cougars and Hawks Netball were on fire, with clean sweeps respectively.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Melbourne University Lightning (51) defeated by City West Falcons (73)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47) defeated by North East Blaze (72)
Peninsula Waves (47) defeated by Geelong Cougars (58)
Hawks Netball (65) defeated Ariels (39)
Boroondara Express (76) defeated Casey Demons (53)
Boroondara Express’ Casey Adamson celebrated 50 games for the club with a commanding win over Casey Demons. Isabelle Hodgson produced a standout performance for Express, scoring a phenomenal 49 of their 76 goals. Emma Ryde was impressive for the Demons with 44 goals against a strong Express outfit.
North East Blaze recorded back-to-back wins after defeating Wilson Storage Southern Saints. Blaze’s Ty Coppinger shone defensively with several intercepts, while Chloe Lambert found space across the court in their 25-goal win. Hawks Netball are back on the winners list this round, claiming the points against Ariels. Despite the result, it was a special night for Jamie Clark who played her 100th game for Ariels.
DIVISION 1
Melbourne University Lightning (47) defeated by City West Falcons (56)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (53) defeated by North East Blaze (66)
Peninsula Waves (50) defeated by Geelong Cougars (62)
Hawks Netball (63) defeated Ariels (35)
Boroondara Express (56) defeated Casey Demons (39)
City West Falcons made it three in a row with a nine-goal victory over Melbourne University Lightning. Falcons’ goal scoring trio, Teal Hocking, Tharjini Sivalingham and Chloe Langley, were hard to stop under the net, while Achel Yout had multiple intercepts on the other end of the court. Lightning’s Rene Caris was valiant as Goal Keeper, but the Falcons proved too strong.
Hawks Netball are in the top two after defeating Ariels by 28 goals. Dominique Taylor was strong in attack for the Hawks, scoring almost half of their goals, while Chloe Duke stood tall in defence by causing multiple turnovers. Caitlyn Alifraco was dangerous in the middle, with her court coverage and accurate passing helping the team to their fourth victory of the season. Geelong Cougars remain the only undefeated team in the league, enjoying a 12-goal win over the Waves.
19&UNDER
Melbourne University Lightning (51) defeated City West Falcons (34)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (37) defeated by North East Blaze (53)
Peninsula Waves (54) defeated by Geelong Cougars (71)
Hawks Netball (57) defeated Ariels (41)
Boroondara Express (34) defeated by Casey Demons (53)
Melbourne University Lightning made a statement in the 19&U division, handing City West Falcons their first loss of 2023. Lightning’s Kate O’Dwyer shone up front, scoring 34 of their 51 goals, while Holly Adams-Alcock was impressive for the Falcons with 18 goals at 90% accuracy. Asha Gray had a great night as Wing Attack, finding space going forward while also applying defensive pressure in the side’s 17-goal win.
North East Blaze have risen to the top of the ladder after defeating the Saints this week. In what was a well-rounded team performance, Blaze’s coach Bronwyn Taylor applauded her defenders in the side’s convincing Round 7 victory.
“Our defenders, Luiza (Sulemani) and Ayva (Tanfara), were the standouts. Luiza has such an incredible vertical leap and Ayva was just great,” Taylor said.
UP NEXT
Round 8 – Monday 8 May
- Boroondara Express vs Melbourne University Lightning
Boroondara Sports Complex
Wednesday 10 May
- Geelong Cougars vs North East Blaze (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
State Netball Centre
- City West Falcons vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Altona Sports Centre
Sunday 14 May
- Peninsula Waves vs Hawks Netball
Jubilee Park
- Ariels vs Casey Demons (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
Maroondah Nets
