Hawks bounce back
Drouin netballers enjoyed three wins in the senior grades against Bairnsdale on Saturday.
A grade: Drouin 55 Bairnsdale 52.
It was a wet but strong start in the A grade match which led to some congestion for the Hawks.
Once they worked the ball onto the ring, they were able to score consistently.
The Hawks had their chances to break away and increase the margin, but Bairnsdale managed to stay within a few goals and even took the lead at three-quarter time.
The girls kept their composure and had a fantastic and strong finish; winning both the last quarter and the match.
It was very pleasing to see the team work well under pressure and keep scoring.
Alana Rippon was commended for her determination in chasing loose balls and her defensive pressure all down the court. She won the award.
B grade: Drouin 49 defeated Bairnsdale 35.
The Hawks finally got the start they had been working towards. Attackers played with urgency and intensity that had been missing the past few weeks.
Ali Lieshout moved the ball with efficiency and precision; setting up the goalers who shot with accuracy.
The full team defence was a highlight, with all players contributing and quick to transition. Defenders Chelsea DeRiter and Alison MacArthur combined beautifully, supported by Lateisha Edwards and Macy defeated Newcombe in wing defence and centre.
Hopefully this win is the start of something big for this young and raw team. Award: Chelsea De Riter. C grade: Drouin 32 Bairnsdale 25.
It was great to finally get four points on the board for the C grade girls. Some very close games had given them some fire in their bellies, and everything they had been working on at training was put into practice and paid off.
The whole team was rewarded for executing consistent forward pressure, which allowed defenders to take intercepts and fire the ball back into attack.
It was a whole team effort, but some special mentions to Darcy Appleby who fought relentlessly for every ball and her impeccable defensive pressure.
In attack, it was great to have Courtney Miller back, and her work with Emily Bethune was great. In defence, Sarah Sharpe and Jess Murray played an impressive splitting combination.
Awards: Darcy Appleby, Emily Bethune and the “Defence Duo”.
Under 17s: Drouin 23 lost Bairnsdale 37.
It was another tough match for the Hawks but some real highlights also came out of it.
The girls struggled to match Bairnsdale for the whole game; but in many patches it was goal for goal.
The defensive pressure was awesome, allowing plenty of turnovers and defeated to opportunities to score. It is no surprise that it is a defender got the team award, although all players could have been rewarded for their intensity. Award: Kristen Groenewaldt. Under 15s: Drouin 9 lost Bairnsdale 60.
A tough opposition didn’t stop the Hawks from playing some strong patches of netball.
The goalers, Montana Lewis and Tess Mapleson, put on an outstanding performance, working extremely well with mid-courters Gemma Gregge and Sharni Sharpe.
Defensively, Lucy McKellar and Alannah Jagoe were able to provide many turnovers due to their relentless pressure.
Overall a difficult but strong game which can only allow improvement.
Awards: Montana Lewis, Tess Mapleson and Sharni Sharpe.
Under 13s: Drouin 4 lost Bairnsdale 42.
It was a tough game against a strong and smart Bairnsdale team to start the day for the baby Hawkers.
The defence end worked hard all day, with Mia Trewin and Lainey Downie having a tough job in the ring.
They continued to produce intercepts all day; and were backed up by the rest of the team – who kept their heads up and continued to play some good netball.
There was also some great fire on show in little but important things such as chasing up loose balls.
Awards: Mia Trewin and Lainey Downie. to to