VNL Wrap | Round 8
Another exciting round of VNL saw four home games spread across the week. Hawks Netball and City West Falcons enjoyed clean sweeps respectively, while only one side remains undefeated going into Pride Round!
CHAMPIONSHIP
Boroondara Express (69) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (33)
Geelong Cougars (58) defeated North East Blaze (52)
City West Falcons (61) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (54)
Peninsula Waves (43) defeated by Hawks Netball (63)
Ariels (39) defeated by Casey Demons (64)
Geelong Cougars tallied their fifth consecutive win in this division's match of the round. The top four clash between the Cougars and North East Blaze saw the home side claim victory by six goals at State Netball Centre. Zanna Woods shone under the post, shooting 27 of Geelong’s goals at 96% accuracy, while Georgia Moody was a star for Blaze with 23 goals at 100% accuracy. Boroondara Express enjoyed a big win against Melbourne University Lighting, with Ruby Barkmeyer producing a best on performance in their 36-goal win.
City West Falcons sit on top of the ladder after holding off a valiant Wilson Storage Southern Saints by seven goals. The home crowd at Altona Sports Centre were treated to a masterclass in attack from Jane Cook who scored a phenomenal 44 goals at 93% accuracy, while Zoe Davies shone defensively in goal defence. Emily Andrew was impressive for the Saints, scoring 39 of their 54 goals, but the Falcons proved too strong.
DIVISION 1
Boroondara Express (52) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (47)
Geelong Cougars (60) defeated North East Blaze (52)
City West Falcons (62) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (45)
Peninsula Waves (50) defeated by Hawks Netball (67)
Ariels (43) defeated Casey Demons (40)
Boroondara Express have risen up the ladder after defeating Melbourne University Lightning at Boroondara Sports Complex. Fourth-placed Express snagged their third win in a row with goalers Dee Dee Lambert, Chelsea Quin and Tiahnee Farrell helping the side to a five-goal win. Claire Oakley was outstanding for Lightning, scoring 36 goals against an impressive Express outfit.
Ariels enjoyed their second win of the season in a tight tussle against Casey Demons, claiming victory by three goals at Maroondah Nets. Emmalia Blake was strong for Ariels in front of the home crowd, scoring 34 of their 43 goals, while Steph McNay was fearless as goal keeper for the Demons. Geelong Cougars remain undefeated after an eight-goal win over North East Blaze, and Hawks Netball continued their winning run against the Waves. Kaila Swindell was dangerous in the middle for the Hawks, applying pressure and finding space throughout the four quarters.
19&UNDER
Boroondara Express (41) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (50)
Geelong Cougars (52) defeated by North East Blaze (60)
City West Falcons (53) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (41)
Peninsula Waves (46) defeated by Hawks Netball (49)
Ariels (35) defeated by Casey Demons (57)
City West Falcons are back on the winners list after defeating Wilson Storage Southern Saints. The Falcons recorded their first loss of 2023 in Round 7 and bounced back with a 12-goal win this week. Amalani Fauonuku stood strong under the post for the Falcons, while Iliseva Sovau was a standout in defence.
Casey Demons enjoyed back-to-back wins with a commanding victory over Ariels. The Demons entered the round sitting fourth on the ladder and have solidified that position after another impressive performance. Hawks Netball continued their hot and winning form, holding off Peninsula Waves by three goals at Somerville Recreational Centre. Amy Scott was a star as goal shooter for the Hawks, scoring 36 goals at 90% accuracy, while Eliza Molino was on fire in defence. Charlize Gabel Joseph was courageous for the Waves, shooting 30 of their 46 goals.
UP NEXT
Round 9 – Wednesday 17 May | Pride Round
- Peninsula Waves vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
(Livestream – Kommunity TV) - Hawks Netball vs Geelong Cougars
- Ariels vs Melbourne University Lightning
- Casey Demons vs City West Falcons
- North East Blaze vs Boroondara Express
(Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)