Hawks make it look easy

A grade: Drouin 69 def Sale 25 As the clouds covered the court and the wind strengthened, Karina Proctor and Stacie Gardiner showed Drouin is the team to beat in the goal ring, combining beautifully. Drouin never once stopped the attacking play, with Christie Edwards and Ruby Pratt driving the ball quickly down the court. In defence, Jessie Hedley, Kym Diston and April Bethune made sure their turnovers were converted. Awards: Ruby Pratt, Karina Proctor B grade: Drouin 55 def Sale 33 Drouin’s timing, passing and driving were perfect. Jodie Proctor and Kelly Hedley in goals had to work hard against taller opposition, and Jodie timed her drives in accurately to feed Kelly. Ebony Bott and Ali Mac worked the mid court and the defenders were rewarded with plenty of turnovers. It was a fantastic game by all. Awards: Jodie Proctor, Kelly Hedley. C grade: Drouin 26 lost to Sale 46 An in-form Drouin might have beaten Sale but Sale’s defence was too strong for the goalers, capitalising on any Drouin error. In defence, Toni Amory and Jess Murray tried to stop the ball flying into the ring. Tasha Kimber was her usual force in the ring, supported by Sarah Sharpe who played a fierce one-on-one battle. The goalers moved the ball well and had some brilliant conversions – just not enough to keep with Sale. In the midcourt, Bianca Tucker drove hard all day and earned her award. Awards: Jess Murray, Bianca Tucker 17 & under: Drouin 27 lost to Sale 46 Drouin faced some tough opposition in a team they will meet again soon in finals – potentially the first week. Drouin stayed with Sale for the first quarter, but Sale’s pressure, attack on the ball and work rate proved too much. In attack, Taylah Marsh-Irwin was a strong presence in the circle, presenting well for her team mates Ruby Pratt and April Bethune – who in return, fed her the ball superbly. Drouin have some work to do over the next few weeks. Award: Taylah Marsh-Irwin 15 & under: Drouin 23 lost to Sale 42 A tough game against a top five side but the girls deserve credit for pushing themselves to their limits and working hard all game. It was good to see them put into practice what we have been working on and doing at training.

Awards: Ruby Simpson, Darcy Appleby and Ali Lieshout 13 & under: Drouin 18 lost to Sale 41 The baby Hawkers struggled to match the height and speed of a very slick Sale team. There were some excellent passages of play but not enough to contain the opposition. The team worked hard and created turnovers, but were unable to convert them.

Awards: Ella Gown, Lucy McKellar

Jessie Hedley fires a quick pass to Drouin teammate Christie Edwards during Saturday’s A grade match against Sale. Drouin won 69-25 to guarantee it will finish the season on top of the ladder after next week’s final round.

Left: Ali Lieshout drives Drouin into attack in the under 15 match against Sale. The young Hawks tried hard but were no match for Sale, going down 23-42.

Right: Drouin goal attack Sabine Lieshout is in good position but the under 13 Hawks went down by three goals to Sale.

Drouin centre Bianca Tucker drives up court in the C grade match against Sale. Sale, placed number two on the ladder, were much too strong, winning by 20 goals.

Drouin’s Kelly Hedley prepares to shoot during Saturday’s B grade match against Sale. Drouin won by 22 goals to stay within reach of a finals berth if it can beat Leongatha next week.