Mixed fortunes for Hawks
It was a day of mixed fortune for Drouin netballers who travelled to Wonthaggi on Saturday.
Strong wins for the A grade and under 15 teams has both sitting third on the ladder while C grade didn’t get the four points after a scoresheet error.
A grade: Drouin 59 defeated Wonthaggi Power 47.
Drouin played a smart game, handling the wet and slippery conditions well.
It was difficult to gain momentum in the poor conditions and they struggled for intensity over the four quarters. They also took time to adjust to another new line-up, losing Ella Henderson for the season to a knee injury.
Ruby Pratt stepped up in wing attack, positioning herself well on the goal ring to execute some great passes into the goalers.
Despite holding the lead for most of the game, they couldn’t put enough distance between the teams on the scoreboard to relax. Drouin put their foot on the accelerator in the third quarter, putting the result beyond doubt. Award: Ruby Pratt. B grade: Drouin 44 lost to Wonthaggi Power 48. It was a great first half with Jodie Proctor and Rachel Morris combining well in the midcourt, playing composed netball.
Nat Sloan and Ali McArthur were ever-reliable in defence, getting countless turnovers throughout the match.
Unfortunately, Drouin was not able to covert in pressure moments during the second half. Once Wonthaggi gained momentum, they were hard to stop and they ran over Drouin in a tough final quarter. Awards: Rachel Morris and Jodie Proctor. C grade: Drouin lost to Wonthaggi Power (scoresheet error resulted in forfeit).
Drouin knew it was going to be a tough contest as the teams sat third and fourth on the ladder.
The Hawks got off to a great start, applying full-court pressure. This great team work was finished with some accurate shooting.
But under trying circumstances, a scoresheet error caused an early result to Wonthaggi.
The Drouin girls held their heads high and played the game out. They continued their good form and utilised the opportunity to try some different combinations.
Although a setback, the Hawks know they can win on a mentally tough day.
Awards: Taylah Marsh-Irwin and Sarah Sharpe.
Under 17s: Drouin 25 lost to Wonthaggi Power 44.
Drouin had a few players missing which gave an opportunity for a few youngsters to step up.
Under 15 players Ella Gown, Lucy McKellar and Macy Newcombe all gained valuable experience at the next level against a strong, smart Wonthaggi team.
Ella relished the chance to play a key role at goal defence defence and got her hands to many balls.
Drouin’s attackers were under pressure every time they received the ball which took its toll in the end. Drouin will go back to training and work on making preliminary moves and strong drives, which will give more free space. Award: Ella Gown. Under 15s: Drouin 53 defeated Wonthaggi Power 17.
This was a scrappy game due to the slippery conditions, but the Hawks were able to consolidate a healthy win.
With key goaler Brooke deRiter unavailable, the team were able to explore other goaling options. The girls showed their great versatility and tried some positions they would not normally venture into.
Bailey Fleming, Macy Newcombe, Lucy McKellar and Harriet Parkinson all combined beautifully to manage the defence end.
The goaling end found themselves testing a new dynamic. Liv Konstanty led by example, communicating and guiding the girls in their new roles. Both Ella Gown and Ella East goaled consistently. Sabine Lieshout fed the goalers beautifully in her best game of the season so far.
The win cements Drouin’s position in the top five.
Awards: Lieshout.
Under 13s: Drouin 7 lost to Wonthaggi Power 51.
Drouin was slow to start, struggling to adjust to the wet, slippery conditions which significantly affected the skill level.
To Drouin’s credit, they persevered against quality opponents and executed some lovely, clean passages of play. When the girls didn’t hesitate and let the ball go instinctively, the game flowed nicely and Drouin scored.
Alanna Jagoe was a standout for Drouin, playing her best game of the season.
Awards: Tess Mapleson and Alanna Jagoe. Harriet Parkinson and Sabine