“All-star” Hawks take win
Drouin Hawks had three senior netball wins to end the first half of the Gippsland League season.
A grade: Drouin 54 defeated Wonthaggi 48.
If you could ever call a netball team an “all-star line up”; then this was it!
Surnames that have won more premierships for the club than can be counted such as Proctor, Hedley, McArthur, Rippon, Thomas and Olsen, intermingled with Morris to create the perfect dynamic on court.
After several injuries over recent months, the depth of the Hawks team and versatility was a sight to behold. It was a huge team effort from everyone – perhaps an age defying one. Adding up the ages of the team…let’s just say they could rely on a few decade old habits which have stood the test of time and loyalty.
Watching Jessie Hedley create situation after situation to get the ball to goaler Kylie Proctor was stunning; and seeing the “youth” of the team Alana Rippon fire the ball so accurately down the court was also spectacular. Award: Kylie Proctor. B grade: Drouin Wonthaggi 39.
Another great win saw the Hawks secure two in a row. The average age of the team shows the future of the Hawks holds some winning combinations.
It was a a full-term effort where all players executed their role perfectly.
In defence, Hawks played smart netball. They adjusted to all the different combinations Wonthaggi tried. They attacked everything and their transition from defence to attack was great.
In attack, the Hawks played, steady, controlled and patient netball.
Players continued to focus on scoring 45 defeated consistently from turnovers and the midcourt combination of Ali Lieshout and Lateisha Edwards is going from strength to strength.
Awards: Chelsea DeRiter and Abbey Tyrell.
C grade: Drouin Wonthaggi 29.
The C grade girls had a few things to prove playing over in Wonthaggi. They are pushing for finals and that drive to win and continually score a high number of goals is what will make that happen.
In attack, the ball flew beautifully around the circle, working on everything that they have been practicing at training. This saw Emily Bethune get her goals flying into the ring.
Some spectacular athleticism by Georgia Henderson, as well as Rachel Pullen and Darcy Appleby, helped the Hawks move the ball through the midcourt. The relentlessness that each player used on court to re-offer, angle their drive and be an option was also great.
Awards: Emily Bethune, Georgia Henderson and Kathryn Buckland.
Under 17s: Drouin 29 lost Wonthaggi 53.
It was a tough game for the Hawks against top three side in Wonthaggi.
The Hawks started really well as teams going goal for goal. Unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain this and Wonthaggi eventually pushed ahead.
Macey Newcombe played a great game in centre. She then moved across to goal defence in the absence of injured players and continued her good form.
Wing defence Bailey Fleming was also great; applying pressure from the outside to help out circle defenders.
The Hawks attackers worked hard all 42 defeated to match.
The team hope to build in the second half of season. They continue to work hard on the training track and this will eventually come through on game day.
Awards: Macey Newcombe and Bailey Fleming.
Under 15s: Drouin 10 Wonthaggi 53.
A great four quarter performance was displayed by the Hawks on Saturday.
Some new combinations saw goal keeper Sharni Boote pulling in all rebounds alongside Alannah Jagoe.
Montana Lewis in centre drove the ball out of defence wonderfully and provided great feeds into goal shooter Tess Mapelson.
Holly Cheyne played a strong game in goal attack, moving perfectly in the ring and shooting some awesome goals.
It was a great game from the Hawks that showed the girls’ hard work and dedication.
Awards: Montana Lewis, Mapelson and Holly Cheyne.
Under 13s: Drouin 18 Wonthaggi 28.
Another good game for the Hawks, shooting their highest score this season with 18 goals.
The girls started strongly which was a focus after last week. It was fantastic to see the team go out and put in to practice all the things they had been working on.
There were a few positional changes on court, with one of the girls out sick. As a result, some players filled positions they don’t normally play.
Despite this, everyone played well and there are some great things to take into the second half of the season.
Awards: Amy Boote and Lainey Downie. lost Tess lost to to