Hawks finish the season with Parrots

Leongatha proved too strong in all grades of netball for Drouin’s final week of the home and away season.

A grade: Drouin 45 lost to Leongatha 57

It was a great way to finish the season. Everyone played a positive game and the defensive end worked hard all day picking off the ball.

Kym Diston came out hunting and pulled in rebounds. April Bethune’s long arms in mid court intercepting passes was fantastic to watch.

Ella Henderson, Deb Thomas ,Sara Russell and Ali Mac played hard in the mid-court while Stacie Gardiner and Ruby Pratt worked tirelessly getting goals in.

Brilliant last quarter from everyone to finish off the season.

Awards: Kym Diston and April Bethune

B grade: Drouin 33 lost to Leongatha 58

The girls went out to have fun and enjoy their last game. Some great ball movement down court to goalers and Chelsea DeRiter was again on fire at both ends.

Jodie Proctor’s talk helped the girls know where to put the ball. It was great to see Ruby Pritchett have a go in GD. The girl can jump.

Once settled, Tess Mapleson was putting up great goals from around the ring. Great last game girls and the team will Maddy next seadon.

Awards: Ruby Pritchett and Jodie Proctor

C grade: Drouin 32 lost to Leongatha 48

It was a fitting end to a good season, with the C grade girls finishing 6th on the ladder, a few too many close games costing a position in the finals.

Taking the court with their usual strong start, it was goal for goal for the first quarter. Leongatha was too strong during the middle of the match, but the Hawks finished strong, never dropping their heads.

The defensive end of Jess Murray and Grace Henderson was out to intercept again, supported by Darcy Appleby and Emily Dash into the mid court.

Never letting the opposition easy access into the ring. Through the midcourt and into attack, Alice McKellar timed her drives with ease, communicating with Chrissy Walsh and the goalers, Emily Bethune and Georgia Lightowler about how to get the ball into the ring.

Overall, the team just kept getting better through the season and took on all advice given.

Awards: Chrissie Walsh and Alice McKellar 17 and under: Drouin 24 lost to Leongatha 26 The under 17s had a tough game and their enthusiasm on the court was unreal. First quarter the girls were on fire. Chasing every loose ball and taking every opportunity.

It was a close gap from the beginning to the end, with the girls fighting hard.

Tess Mapleson and Kaylee Nalder moved superbly in the ring, and when hindered, and still got the ball against some impressive defensive.

In the midcourt, Amy Navas, Tilly Carroll and Holly Cheyne were relentless and made every ball count. Tilly’s chase of the ball and jump power was impressive.

In defence, Kelly and Alannah were going for every ball possible. Making every turn over count and then helping Drouin score off it.

Award: Tilly Carroll 15 and under: Drouin 10 lost to Leongatha 57 What a game to finish on. Leongatha was a tough team to come up against but the girls put their best foot forward and showed how much they’ve grown by closing that gap considerably.

The girls had a phenomenal first quarter with the normal starting seven. However, as requested, the girls got a quarter each in a completely new position.

With defenders in the shooting circle and goalers having their turn running centre, the team showed everyone how versatile they really are.

Leongatha was almost unstoppable coming out of defence but the girls put their minds to it and worked hard especially in that goal circle to disrupt play. It was a good way to finish the season.

Best on: A team effort deserved a team award 13 and under: Drouin 12 lost to Leongatha 17 The baby hawks put in the performance fitting of the strong season they have had - not necessarily in terms of points but in terms of learning and development.

Each player took on their role and pushed hard from beginning to end - not letting Leongatha any easy passages of play or passes. For some of the girls who have played in under13s for several years now, it showed how much they have learned and grown in that time.

Awards: Emmerson Kneebone, Amber Hammond, Dillon Jagoe and Amelia Jarred.