Battle of the giants
Spectacular netball was on display when Drouin netballers took on Traralgon. Several games were close, with the highlight a three-goal win in C grade. A grade: Drouin 51 lost to Traralgon 59. Drouin and Traralgon games are always a highlight of the season; and this one did not disappoint. Both teams always deliver good, fast netball; it is a battle of the giants in more than one way!
Drouin lacked height against the tall Traralgon defence and goalers, but that did not stop our goalers and defenders from having a serious plan and executing it well.
The first half was fairly even before Drouin had a shocking third quarter. Traralgon quickly converted that into a strong lead.
The Hawks came back in the fourth quarter but ran out of time. The battle was not just in the rings, with Christie Edwards and Traralgon’s Stacey O’Brien – the two oldest and fastest players on the court - dominating the midcourt. Award: Christie Edwards. B grade: Drouin 27 lost to Traralgon 57. It was a different line up that took the court due to injury and illness. It did allow juniors to step up, with Lateisha Edwards, Chelsea DeRiter and Taylah Marsh-Irwin all enjoying senior court time.
In the defence end, Ali MacArthur and Chelsea DeRiter worked exceptionally well as a new combination, creating turnovers to provide endless opportunities. Unfortunately, too many silly errors meant they did not capitalise and Traralgon pushed away with a lead.
To try and pull back the scoreline, Jemyma Leishout went into goal attack, Kelly Hedley into centre and Deb Thomas into wing attack. The attack end settled but, again, too many silly mistakes added up. Award: Ali MacArthur. C grade: Drouin 33 defeated Traralgon 30. There was great excitement after this game as it had been many years since C grade defeated Traralgon. It was a real team effort – from one end of the court to the other, including the bench.
Down in goals, Emily Bethune drove the base exceptionally well and Abbey Tyrell positioned herself well against the defenders. They worked brilliantly as a team.
Adding much needed composure was Kate Butler (nee MacArthur) who made a longawaited return from work and travel. She played a strongly in centre and wing attack. Tasha Kimber and Chloe Blum also worked the angles and waited for the goalers to be in the best position.
Pressure was the key with the defenders getting their hands on lots of passes and intercepting anything they could. In the ring, Lia Olsen was spectacular as always as goal keeper, adjusting like the seasoned player she is. In goal defence was Jess Murray and Abbey Craig, who drove any turnovers down the court along with Sarah Sharpe. Award: Whole team. Under 17: Drouin 31 lost to Traralgon 35. It was a high intensity game; and the Hawks’ work rate throughout was fantastic. The team has been focusing on work rate and reactions to mistakes. It was fantastic to see these important team strategies and psychological strengths put into practise.
In defence, every player - especially Lateisha Edwards and Chelsea DeRiter - worked tirelessly to turn the ball over. In attack, the girls were a little hesitant and some simple skill errors let them down. Once they had faith in their structures, some amazing passages of play followed.
Awards: Lateisha Edwards and Chelsea DeRiter. Under 15: Drouin 25 lost to Traralgon 29. It was a good game by both sides. Unfortunately, Traralgon got the upper hand and held onto it. After a great start, a couple of lapses let Traralgon take the lead. Drouin worked hard but passing let them down at crucial times.
Down in defence, Bailey Flemming played a tight game in goal defence. Awards: Bailey Flemming and Ella East. Under 13: Drouin 2 lost to Traralgon 50. Although the scoreboard isn’t yet reflecting it, the baby Hawkers are making improvements across the court. Every player is learning new things and getting better each week.
This week saw really promising passages of play, with the girls executing everything they’ve been working on whilst moving the ball down the court. One of the highlights was the defensive pressure down the court.
Many of the girls are playing several different positions, such as Lucy McKellar. Charli Hendrikse in centre and wing attack trained hard and put it all into practice in the game. Lainey Downey in goal keeper worked hard and particularly went out onto court trying to do exactly what the coaches had explained to her.
Awards: Downey. Charli Hendrikse and Lainey Moe Leongatha Wonthaggi Bairnsdale Sale Bairnsdale Wonthaggi Morwell Warragul Maffra Traralgon Drouin Sale Morwell Bairnsdale Traralgon Wonthaggi Bairnsdale Morwell Warragul Traralgon Drouin Moe Maffra Warragul 93.25 90.43 86.55 62.93 62.19 92.12 82.55 90.40 81.61 93.45 101.39 76.97 92.70 81.56 45.23 107.98 87.63 83.49 48.70 59.89 115.28 93.08 74.63 66.25 44.17 8 8 4 4 0 8 8 6 4 2 10 8 6 4 0 12 8 4 4 0 8 4 4 4 0