SENIOR NETBALL: ROUND 5 REVIEW
Each week we’ll be reviewing one match from all seven senior netball divisions, selecting one of the closer games or a key match in the context of the season. Read on to find out what took place in Round 5, the first night of divisional play post the completion of grading.
DIVISION 1 – Lakers 1 v Spotswood Gold
After a well-deserved break, post grading Lakers 1 showed early just how rested they were starting strongly to lead 20-15 at halftime. However, a swift redirect from coach Maddy Bosanko saw Spotswood Gold tidy things up defensively and transition cleanly between defense and attack after the break. Kimberly Philips and Naomi Parker fired in 23 goals between them in the second half with the Lakers held to just 16. With their willingness to dig deep to secure victory, Spotswood affected some crucial turnovers in the final minutes to come away with a 38-36 win.
DIVISION 2 – Sunshine Linton v Spotswood Green
Sunshine Linton proved they are ready to attack the Division 2 season head on with an impressive opening display against Spotswood Green. Dorothy Maepu (GD) was a clear standout in first half of the game shutting down Spotswood Green’s shooting circle with great affect any time the ball entered the goal third while Ani Naicovi gave Linton a different dynamic in the second half when switched from shooter into a versatile defender. Linton coach Rhiannon Reti pushed her team to remain consistent and finish strongly with the side’s back-up players seeing them home 36-24.
DIVISION 3 – PCCSC Hammerhead Sharks v Lakers 3
The Division 3 game between PCCSC Hammerhead Sharks and Lakers 3 left everyone on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the 40 minutes. After starting on the bench Tianna di Mieri burst onto the court with energy in WA for Lakers 3, dominating the midcourt with her strong passes and direct vision down the court into the shooting circle. The connection between di Mieri and shooter Lauren Labagnara was hard not to admire. Meanwhile, the Hammerhead defense worked tirelessly for turnovers and rebounds with the strength of Kelly Philby on full display under the post, picking up and deflecting lose balls. The game was neck and neck going into the fourth quarter with both sides receiving strong support from their benches and supporters, but in the end the teams couldn’t be separated with the final score a 28-28 draw.
DIVISION 4 – Laverton Gold v Yarraville Seddon Blue
With all indications pointing to the Division 4 match between Laverton Gold and Yarraville Seddon Blue being a tight tussle, Yarraville Seddon coach Gabby Menabue’s pre-game rev up just confirmed that. Laverton’s Jennifer Page worked hard at GA moving the ball down court while also putting pressure on GD Joanna Aquilina as YSE transitioned into attack after a turnover. Pippa Nolan continues to be head turner with her accuracy from under the ring, proving she’ll be difficult for any defender to shut down each week. With a switch in defense for Laverton in the third quarter Kaitlin Bansky would prove to be a difference maker helping her side to clinch a 33-30 win.
DIVISION 5 – Parkside 1 v Sunshine Waring
In their inaugural year Parkside 1 have already shown their passion and that they have the building blocks in place for success. Playing under the bright lights of the Whitten Oval courts for the first time they went into their clash with Sunshine Waring raring to go. Isabelle Montgomery looks to be the midcourt strength in this team as she grabbed every loose ball that came her way as well as assisting her teammate Sara Richardson put points on the board. Destiny Mauri worked hard in GD for Sunshine using her agile movements to dominate in defense and help close the margin any chance she could. However, on this occasion it would be the newcomers Parkside who proved too good triumphing 26-18.
DIVISION 6 – Manor Lakes 2 v Point Cook Red
Storm on the stage and that they did. Last season’s top goal scorer Cody Silvester looks set for another strong campaign as she displayed her accuracy from anywhere in the ring while Belinda Nancarrow showed the ability to change aspects through the midcourt and assist Silvester and GS Joannah McGrath in working up the score. For Point Cook, Shevaun Dean was a key contributor with crucial goals while also working hard to reach rebounds and re-convert. Coach Peta Kortum did all she could to help her team achieve victory, but ultimately Manor Lakes proved stronger with GD Neveha Randle collecting key intercepts to see her side close out the game with the final score reading 27-21.
DIVISION 7 – Suns Rising v Parkside 2
A first up win was the aim for Suns Rising coach Rachel Biffin on the opening night of divisional play and Alyssa Tullio, new to the WFNL this year, proved to be a vital cog in achieving that result. Playing GK all game Tullio worked tirelessly for intercepts, rebounds and midcourt cut-offs during Parkside’s attacking transition. Sharlene Hetherington who played multiple positions for her side, showed some strong signs in GS for Parkside scoring eight goals across quarters two and three. In the end Suns Rising ran away with the game recording a 34-18 victory.