Depleted Hawks defeated
A somewhat depleted Drouin line-up was unable to challenge the undefeated Morwell in A grade on Saturday.
A grade: Drouin 27 lost to Morwell 51
It was some lovely conditions for netball, and some different A graders got to enjoy it. Relying on B graders and some past players to help hold the team together, it was a great game to watch.
Stacie Gardiner worked relentlessly all game - and rightly deserved her award. Morwell did not let her, or Jodie Proctor, any easy shots on goal.
Down the court, the defensive end worked hard with Lucy McKellar gaining some great intercepts whilst playing tight on her goal shooter. April Bethune worked hard alongside her, rebounding shots and intercepting through the midcourt.
The Hawks are looking forward to taking them on later in the season.
Special mention to Linda McLeish (Rassmussen) whose last game in the maroon and gold was a premiership. Stepping up and in, Linda proved she hasn’t forgotten how to play with the Hawks girls and was a force to be reckoned with.
Awards: Stacie Gardiner and April Bethune.
B grade: Drouin 33 lost to Morwell 62 Another interesting mix of a team took the court, with several changes from the start of the season.
It was an amazing and skilled team that took the court - they just couldn’t reflect it on the scoreboard.
Lots of players eager for some game time, including special recruit for the day and another former premiership player Kelly Hedley.
The Hawks had lots of opportunities and intercepts, but getting the ball into the goalers was an issue. Hence, the defenders had a tough day at the office and now have well-earned rewards.
Awards: Maddy Caddy, Kelly Mills and Chelsea DeRiter.
C grade: Drouin 20 lost to Morwell 34
The Hawks knew what they had to do to win, but just couldn’t make the scoreline agree.
Great pressure down the court for most of the game kept them in it, but a few quick goals here and there by Morwell all but sealed the deal.
Adjusting to the changes as always was a highlight, especially seeing Georgia Lightowler have a little job in centre.
The defence end was under pressure all game with some fast and accurate goalers. Grace Henderson was a powerhouse of defence and did not drop her head once.
Award: Grace Henderson.
17 and under: Drouin defeated Morwell 28
The girls were pumped for a strong game and the talk up and down the court seemed to rattle Morwell.
Each player did their job, took control and beat their player.
There was some fantastic defensive pressure all over the court, especially from the attackers. This then included chasing every loose ball created from their pressure and talk.
The full court transitions worked well and showed what they are capable of.
Awards: Tess Mapleson and Tilly Carroll.
15 and under: Drouin 12 lost to Morwell 30 It was a tough and athletic game which needed the Hawks to pull out all stops.
However, Morwell’s full court pressure couldn’t be matched and the scaled tipped. When the Hawks were “on” though, they were unstoppable.
Coming from the defensive end, the trio of Mylie Stoll, Leilani Lightowlder and Zoe Curtis impressed whilst capitalising on anything they could. The midcourt worked hard and once they got through, they were able to feed the goalers well.
Funnily enough, it was the adaptability of the girls that came into play. Mia Trewin was able to help Sienna Arbon put up a safe shot by employing her defensive mind.
Awards went to players for intensity and reliability in a tough game.
Awards: Sienna Arbon and Zoe Curtis.
13 and under: Drouin 23 lost to Morwell 25 The little Hawkers had a fantastic game.
The ball movement was excellent, especially onto the ring. Fiona Nalder moved well and shot confidently all game.
The defensive end had a tough game up against some strong goalers who held well, but they did well. Skye Norman had the ball on a string all game, getting turn over after turn over.
It was a nail biter, but the girls just couldn’t finish it off. What a game!
Awards: Fiona Nalder and Skye Norman.