Cougars win on debut
Kaniva-leeor United’s A Grade outfit has its sights set on Swifts following an impressive Horsham District league debut at the weekend.
The wait was finally over for Horsham District netballers starved of competition thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with juniors and seniors launching their 2021 seasons on Saturday.
Kalkee was expecting a tough match against the competition newcomer and for good reason, with the Cougars quickly stamping their authority on proceedings.
Kaniva-leeor took a five-goal lead into the first break, but the Kees managed to peg the deficit back to two goals by half time.
The third quarter was neck-and-neck, with neither side willing to give an inch, but it was the Cougars who pulled out the stops in the last term, turning a two-goal advantage into a five-goal victory, 37-32.
Centre Ellen Bennett and goal keeper Elizabeth Hawker starred in the win, while Jenna Bywaters – handy up both ends of the court – and defender Clair Mcdonald battled hard for the Kees.
The Kees will look to bounce back in round two against Jeparit-rainbow, which had a bye in round one because Taylors Lake is not fielding an A Grade team this season.
The Cougars will look to continue on their winning way against Swifts, which enjoyed a good battle with Noradjuha-quantong in round one.
The Bombers led the match for the first half, before Swifts levelled the score at the long break.
The Bombers shot 16 goals to the Baggies’ 11 in a high-scoring final term to run out victors, 53-48.
The return of Shannon Couch after several
years – and premierships – with Natimuk United has provided the Bombers with the tall target they have been missing.
Couch shot 45 of her side’s 53 goals on Saturday. The Bombers were also well served by midcourters Jayne Tucker and Ash Mckinnon.
True test
Noradjuha-quantong’s real test will come this week, of course, when it meets 2019 reigning premier Laharum.
The Demons recorded a clinical win over Edenhope-apsley, 68-15. Spearhead Caitlin
Dumesny shot 31 goals as she celebrated her 100th game, while newcomer Liv Jones slotted into the side with ease, delivering a best-on-court performance in centre.
The Saints generally need to adapt to a new line-up each season and this year is no exception.
They were completely outgunned by the Demons and will look to this week’s match against Pimpinio as an opportunity to settle and start to gel.
Tough start
The Tigers had a tough start against an always-strong Harrow-balmoral, going down by 30 goals, 66-36.
Defenders Anna Habel and Deni Sordello battled hard against the Roos’ new-look shooting combination, led by Minyip-murtoa premiership player Kirby Knight.
Knight finished the game with 49 goals, combining well with Lucy King, 17.
Versatile Megan Russell made life difficult for the Tigers goalies, while Olivia Muldoon provided plenty of drive in the midcourt.
The side is yet to welcome back key defender and coach Ebonie Salter, unavailable last week, who will add further strength against Rupanyup.
The Panthers enjoyed their closest encounter with Natimuk United in years in round one, with scores level at half time.
The Ewes pulled away in the second half to collect the four points, winning 36-22.
They used the opportunity to trial several combinations due to a few changes in personnel this season.
Couch’s absence leaves big shoes to fill and it might take the Ewes a little longer than usual to hit their straps.
They have a bye this week and will be keen for another hit-out, meeting Noradjuhaquantong the following week.