Hawks back on winners list
Drouin’s A grade is back on the winners list after a 25-goal victory over Leongatha – one of four club wins – on Saturday.
A grade: Drouin Leongatha 33.
With Drouin back to full strength, they exploited the luxury of trying some different combinations.
Lia Olsen continued her good form in goal keeper, combining with Ebony Mumford, to create lots of pressure and turnovers. Nicki Bryce showed her versatility by moving into the centre and combining well with her attackers.
Stacie Gardiner was unflappable self.
Whilst there is room for improvement in consistency, it was a good win for the Hawks. Awards: Lia Olsen and Eb Mumford. B grade: Drouin 54 defeated Leongatha 33.
This was a much-needed confidence boosting win. It was a great game that gave many opportunities for juniors to show their talent.
Jodie Proctor and Alana Rippon were outstanding in attack, setting up many goaling opportunities. Their mix of speed and netball smarts was too strong for Leongatha.
Defensively, when Drouin got hands over the ball and stayed in the contest, they forced Leongatha into error.
It was great to see players passing confidently, without hesitation, which was a team focus. Award: Alana Rippon. C grade: Drouin Leongatha 19. 58 36 defeated her usual defeated
Drouin was focused on getting off to a strong start, which they did. To Leongatha’s credit, they fought back to make it a one-goal game at quarter time.
Emily Bethune and Tay Marsh-Irwin really took the game on in the second quarter, using quick ball movement to put themselves in good shooting positions.
Relentless full-court defensive pressure saw the Hawks push their lead out to 18 goals by three-quarter time.
Rachel Pullen in wing defence was a constant presence. Her drive down the court made the transition into attack look easy.
Awards: Emily Bethune and Rachel Pullen.
Under 17: Drouin 31 Leongatha 39.
This match started with plenty of intensity from both teams. Unfortunately, Drouin lost Holly Andrews to injury early on. This gave 15s young gun Ella Gown an opportunity to come on at goal keeper. She grew throughout the game and played disciplined defence against quality opposition.
Yet another injury forced goaler Kristen Groenewaldt from the court, with Brooke deRiter also stepping up strongly.
Drouin was right in the contest until a lapse in concentration at the end of the third quarter allowed Leongatha to push to the lead.
Drouin fought back midway through the last quarter but Leongatha prevailed.
Award: Ella Gown. lost to
Under 15: Drouin 55 defeated Leongatha 28.
This was a polished performance by the whole team, resulting in a high scoring rate.
Goalers Liv Konstanty and Brooke deRiter were outstanding, goaling at high accuracy. Sabine Lieshout fed the goalers beautifully, as did Macy Newcombe. Macy was a dynamo in the centre, playing with a disciplined mindset.
Drouin’s defenders were able to capitalise on the full-court pressure that everyone applied. The team worked hard on creating space which enabled the ball to flow efficiently from defence to attack.
The positive team talk was much improved this week and, despite being plenty to work on, it was a great display of teamwork from the Drouin girls.
Awards: Ella Gown and Macy Newcombe.
Under 13s: Drouin 8 Leongatha 43.
The Baby Hawks took a while to thaw out on a cold, frosty morning. They started slowly and didn’t play to the level of which they are capable.
After a half-time pep talk, the girls came out firing and started playing to their full potential.
There were some fantastic passages of play all over the court and the level of teamwork and dedication shown was much improved.
Drouin will be keen to keep up this intensity, skill and effort against Morwell this weekend.
Awards: Lainey Downie, Montana Lewis and Alanna Jagoe. lost to