The VNL celebrated its annual Pride Round this week thanks to the support of RACV. All ten clubs showed their support for the LGBT+ community by donning pride bibs, while Melbourne University Lightning pulled out their Pride Round dresses for the occasion. Our umpires also got involved, wearing rainbow socks to promote inclusion and diversity in the netball community.
The State Netball Centre was also treated to a number of tight tussles, while the only undefeated side were handed their first loss of 2023.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Peninsula Waves (50) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (74)
Hawks Netball (46) defeated by Geelong Cougars (49)
Ariels (49) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (59)
Casey Demons (55) defeated by City West Falcons (76)
North East Blaze (46) defeated by Boroondara Express (67)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints have rejoined the winners list after a commanding win against Peninsula Waves. Vixens squad member Emily Andrew was instrumental for the Saints with 39 goals, while Keighley Starrett was a star in the middle, her court coverage and accurate passing helping the side to their 24-goal win. Waves’ Lyshae Barry was courageous in defence but the Saints proved too strong.
Boroondara Express continued their red-hot form with a 21-goal victory over North East Blaze. Express' defensive pressure helped Isabelle Hodgson produce a masterclass in attack, scoring a phenomenal 52 goals, while Sarah Szczykulski was strong in goalkeeper. Kathleen Knott, Express’ coach, had nothing but praise for her side’s performance in their fourth consecutive win.
“I thought it was a great team effort tonight,” Knott said.
“It was 60 minutes of defensive pressure... as the game went along, we started to cause more turnovers and then score from those turnovers. It was a really big team effort.”
DIVISION 1
Peninsula Waves (57) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (60)
Hawks Netball (55) defeated Geelong Cougars (49)
Ariels (37) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (58)
Casey Demons (40) defeated by City West Falcons (51)
North East Blaze (50) defeated Boroondara Express (42)
Hawks Netball made a statement in Division 1, handing Geelong Cougars their first loss of 2023. Hawks’ Chloe Duke stood tall in defence with multiple intercepts, while Kate Fletcher and Kaila Swindell found space across the court in their six-goal victory. The Cougars were the only undefeated team in the league going into Pride Round, so the reigning premiers will no doubt be pleased with the result.
Melbourne University Lightning bounced back from their Round 8 loss with an impressive win over Ariels. Lightning’s goal-scoring trio, Alex Booker, Lavinia Fox and Claire Oakley, were on fire under the post, while Emmalia Blake fought hard for Ariels with 22 goals at 92% accuracy. North East Blaze and the Saints also enjoyed rebounding wins this week, defeating Boroondara Express and Peninsula Waves respectively.
19&UNDER
Peninsula Waves (55) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (52)
Hawks Netball (49) defeated Geelong Cougars (48)
Ariels (30) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (65)
Casey Demons (44) defeated by City West Falcons (63)
North East Blaze (60) defeated Boroondara Express (44)
City West Falcons recorded back-to-back wins, claiming the points against Casey Demons. Sitting third and fourth respectively going into the match, the Falcons came out on top by 19 goals. Falcons’ Christine Oguche was outstanding in attack, scoring 44 of their 66 goals, while Charlotte Sexton made life hard for the Demons as goal keeper. Lainey Bidwell had a great night in wing attack, applying defensive pressure and finding space going forward against an impressive Falcons outfit.
Lightning made it four in a row with a big win over Ariels. Lightning’s Montaya Sardi and Shaid Sasalu were hard to stop across four quarters, applying immense pressure and causing multiple turnovers in their 35-goal victory. Mia Lui was strong up front for Ariels, while Tahlia Bradshaw and Anaisis Tupuailei were valiant in defence at the other end of the court. In two tight contests, Peninsula Waves were victorious in a nail-biter against the Saints, while just one goal separated the Hawks and Geelong Cougars.
UP NEXT
Round 10 – Wednesday 24 May
- Boroondara Express vs Peninsula Waves (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- City West Falcons vs Geelong Cougars
- Ariels vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook)
- North East Blaze vs Casey Demons
- Melbourne University Lightning vs Hawks Netball
