Tough day for Hawks
It was a tough day for the Drouin netballers against a strong Leongatha outfit on Saturday.
A grade: Drouin 33 lost to Leongatha 50
Sunshine, chilly winds and winter sport saw lots of blankets and layers required on Saturday.
The Hawks played a hard fought out game but unfortunately missed out on the four points.
With injuries and illness, the club had to dig deep and find three amazing players to help out - and they looked great in the maroon and gold. Two first timers in Shanara Notman and Greta Hankinson played whilst one pulled out the dress from the wardrobe from 2021. Lucy McKellar stepped up again and worked hard with the lovely Greta in defence. The crowd watched Shanara and Stacie Gardiner put up some magical goals - each with their own flair.
The mid court worked hard and were blessed to have Macy Newcombe step back onto the court for the Hawks, and she did not miss a beat.
It was not Drouin’s day, but lots of unforced errors will be worked on at training.
Awards: Lucy “Leaping Not Driving Down the Court” McKeller and Greta “So Smooth” Hankinson.
B grade: Drouin 29 lost to Leongatha 50
The Hawks worked hard all game with Chelsea DeRiter’s rebounding in the first half simply amazing. However, they constantly gave it back to Leongatha.
Ali McArthur’s talk to keep the girls pumped was on point. Chelsea unfortunately went down with a tweak in her ankle which forced a change of players who came onto court cold.
The skills are there and the goalers are working hard in the ring. The mid court worked tirelessly, with another fabulous day out for Deb Thomas.
One final pep talk from Ali...all you have to do is breathe!
Awards: Maddy “Quick Hands” Caddy and Deb “Fast at Everything” Thomas.
C grade: Drouin 18 lost to Leongatha 47
The Hawks were up against it with more illnesses this week. But it was still a full team taking the court and ready to work hard.
Leongatha was a well drilled team with very few mistakes. Any mistakes they did make though were capitalised on by Jess Murray and Emily Dash, working hard in defence.
After a slow start, the Hawks came into the game, but the damage was done and ‘Gatha too good.
Kate Butler was again a dynamic addition to the attack end; her netball knowledge helping to work out solutions to the strong ‘Gatha defence. Georgia Lightowlder and Chrissie Walsh tried hard in each quarter.
All in all a game that the Hawks tried hard in but walked away with a few bruises - especially Sarah Sharpe.
Awards: Jess Murray, Emily Dash and Kate Butler.
17 and under: Drouin 16 lost to Leongatha 29
It was always going to be a great game between these two sides and Drouin was ready for the challenge.
It was great to see the Hawks play really positive netball with some outstanding full court plays.
Kaylee Nalder and Kelly Mills were fantastic in defence, creating numerous turnovers and really strong at the rebounds.
Rachael Turner continues to develop her skills in the game and this week she didn’t disappoint. She is a coach’s delight with her ability to listen and adapt her game when asked.
Tilly Carroll, Amy Navas and Holly Cheyne ran the mid court with fierce determination and impressed with the pressure applied after an error.
Tess Mapleson worked hard all day in goals, adapting to the different combinations and changing her game up to make it hard for her opponents.
Lulu Lightowler stepped up from the under 15s and was outstanding in her work rate. She never gave up and made things tricky for the opposition when she went into goals.
The girls didn’t get the four points but look out for this team who will be hunting hard after the break.
Awards: Kaylee Nalder and Kelly Mills.
15 and under: Drouin 6 lost to Leongatha 60
It was a tough day out for the 15s against a formidable Leongatha side.
The girls were asked to show hunger for the ball and intensity. They showed that through chasing those scrap balls and contesting every ball. Unfortunately, when they had the ball, Drouin weren’t able to convert these fantastic efforts on the scoreboard.
Zoe Curtis and Leilani Lightowler worked tirelessly in defence. Leilani not only worked hard in the defensive end but also provided the girls with an option to reset in the attack end.
Adah Dennis, Jamison Thomas and Bella Tangipo worked hard to get the ball down to the goalers. Bella, in particular, showed strength to the ball against an athletic Leongatha defence and provided clear direction in the attacking third as a midcourter and a goaler.
Mia Trewin and Sienna Arbon worked in the goal ring and put some long shots in when the opportunity presented itself.
Overall, some really great passages of play. Making those plays more consistent is a goal for the 15s moving forward.
Awards: Lulu Lightowler and Bella Tangipo.
13 and under: Drouin 11 lost to Leongatha 29
The little Hawks had another amazing game, despite some truly wintry weather.
Defensively, the girls were very impressive, turning the ball over up and down the court.
Evie Piner had a great game in wing defence and goal shooter, applying lots of pressure and creating drives onto the ball.
In the attack end, the girls moved the ball with speed and created great angles. Emmy Kneebone’s drives out of the ring were strong and she also shot well.
It was an impressive game with lots of positives. Awards: Emmerson Kneebone and Evie Piner.