Gulls show heart in heat
Warragul netballers proved competitive but, despite the B and C grade games being decided in the last quarters, were unable to come away with a win against Moe on Saturday. A grade: Warragul 43 lost to Moe 51. A great first quarter saw the Gulls leading the Lions 12-11.
The transition from defence to attack was much improved from previous weeks. However, costly errors in the attack end saw the Gulls down by 11 goals at the final break.
A few changes in the last quarter proved to help, with the Gulls winning the final quarter. It a too late to overcome the Lions.
Awards: Alexandra Cole, Renee Cook and Maddy Stevenson. B grade: Warragul 41 lost to Moe 52. Warragul put together three great quarters of netball but unfortunately couldn’t finish it off in the last.
The end score didn’t reflect how close and competitive the game was. At each break, there was one to two goals separating the teams.
Once again, Melissa Burton and Olivia Brady were consistent in goals all game. They were fed the ball exceptionally well by mid courters Ebony Wall, Georgia Lyons and Grace Cant.
The defensive end worked tirelessly all game in the heat being led by Cara McIntosh, Ellen Croft, Maddy Stevenson and Cindy Dawson. Awards: Grace Cant and Melissa Burton. C grade: Warragul 37 lost to Moe 38. The Gulls started with intensity, keen to make up for an underwhelming result the week before.
Lizzy Bayley and Kim Weller goaled accurately and worked the ring well together. They were supported by Hannah McKenzie and Claire Sandman through the midcourt.
After struggling to convert against Wonthaggi, it was a real credit to our goalers that they were able to turn that around with confidence. They displayed some beautiful goaling throughout the match.
Warragul’s ring defenders Sarah Hams and Matisse Olsson are growing in confidence, both in themselves and in each other. This was evident in their strong rebounding and intercepting.
Both Tanya Barr and Emily Sandman were relentless in their defensive pressure.
Although it was thoroughly disappointing to end the game down by one goal, the Gulls once again showed they are a versatile and capable unit. Awards: Kim Weller and Tanya Barr. Under 17s: Warragul 17 lost to Moe 53. In a well fought battle on a hot day, the score did not show how well Warragul worked as a team.
The girls worked well as different combinations were tried. The standout players were goalers Indi Fries and Georgia Hams who worked well in the ring.
The girls continued to work hard through the game and did not drop their heads despite the final scoreline. Under 15s: Warragul 28 lost to Moe 53. In perfect conditions, the Gulls played well but Moe was stronger on the day.
The Gulls never gave up and did well when some girls played in new positions.
Awards went to Zoe Phillips who was consistent in defence, Bridie Mulqueen who never gave up, and Emily Hobbs who stepped up for her first time in defence. Under 13s: Warragul 15 lost to Moe 30. The sunshine made it a great day for sport - and Warragul’s youngest started the day in a way that did not disappoint.
Great run through the centre and excellent turnovers in the defensive third, resulted in an abundance of opportunities for Warragul’s shooters who held their own. The Gulls aiming for and reached a higher goal tally than last season and this one to date.
While the Gulls didn’t manage to get a win on the board, the girls did a super job. This was highlighted by the obvious excitement of co-coach Alex Cole following the game.
Awards: Keely Pyle, Mia Radford and Lucy Williamson, with a special mention to defensive coach Gleeson for her excellent sideline voice work.