Hawks topple ladder leaders
Drouin gained confidence with one round before finals after a win over ladder leader Morwell in A grade on Saturday.
A grade: Drouin Morwell 43.
The Hawks got off to a slow start, adjusting to yet another different lineup.
This was always going to be difficult and it showed on the scoreboard with a ruthless Morwell surging to a 7-1 early lead.
Nevertheless, Drouin found some rhythm in the last part of the opening term to help get back into the game.
Drouin stayed within striking distance with some strong, full-court defence. Wing defence Rachel Morris created some great pressure which allowed goal defence Eb Mumford and goal keeper Nikki Bryce to turn the ball over. They were all pivotal in shutting down the fast moving Morwell attack.
Drouin’s attack end worked the ball around and, with quick movement and accurate shooting, Drouin were able to run over the top of ladder leaders Morwell in a real nailbiter. Award: Nikki Bryce. B grade: Drouin Morwell 26.
The in-form B grade continued its run on the weekend.
The Hawks came away with a great win against third placed Morwell. In all elements it was a fantastic team performance.
Abbey Kingi had a superb game in wing defence, ensuring her attacker received every pass under pressure and creating many turnovers. 44 30 defeated defeated
Patience was key in attack as the rain and hail hit. Keeping the ball short and flat allowed the Hawks to convert turnovers from the defence end. Award: Abbey Kingi. C grade: Drouin 36 Morwell 19.
Drouin celebrated another good win in tough conditions.
The wind made it hard for the goals to drop. However, Abbey Tyrell shot consistently and worked the ball around, utilising her midcourters to gain better shooting position.
Emily Bethune showed good drive in the midcourt, leading and directing the play.
Monique Adrichem had the ball on a string, working well with Sarah Sharpe in defence. They created numerous turnovers and more goaling opportunities, which was important given the wind.
Rachel Pullen and Georgia Henderson were consistent in the midcourt all game, applying great pressure.
Awards: Monique Adrichem, Abbey Tyrell and Emily Bethune.
Under 17s: Drouin 25 Morwell 31.
It was great to have a full team available this week.
Drouin’s game plan was to play oneon-one defence and create pressure on every pass to force turnovers. When Drouin committed to the game plan, they were able to turn plenty of ball over.
Prue Cavanagh had a brilliant game in goal keeper, taking many intercepts to keep Drouin in touch.
Drouin got to within one goal, midway defeated lost to through the third quarter, capitalising on their tight defence. However, in the last quarter, Morwell were able to gain momentum which Drouin found hard to stop.
Under 15s: Drouin 49 defeated Morwell 13.
This week the Hawks travelled to Morwell and had a solid win.
It was a perfect opportunity for players to consolidate the strengths they have been developing, while ironing out some of the issues in their game.
The girls showed their versatility, with a few different combinations tried, all of which worked successfully.
Overall, it was a great team performance, with the girls playing disciplined and focused netball.
Awards: Brooke deRiter, McKellar and Bailey Fleming.
Under 13s: Drouin 24 lost to Morwell 28.
This was, by far, the best game of the season for the baby Hawkers. It made coaches Ali McArthur and Abbey Tyrell extremely proud.
Despite the cold and windy conditions, the Drouin girls were at their best all over the court.
Defensively, as always, Drouin was strong, pulling in numerous intercepts.
The ball flow down the court was efficient, with some smart play, and the attack end played like they had never played before. They moved beautifully, passed with confidence and shot amazingly.
Overall, it was a fabulous performance and the awards could have gone to every player.
Awards: Montana Lewis, Mapleson and Allanah Jagoe. Lucy Tess