Hawks sweep seniors
Drouin won all senior games at Bairnsdale on Saturday as well as the under 17 contest. A grade: Drouin 97 defeated Bairnsdale 31. The high score can be attributed to some very accurate goaling by both Stacie Gardiner and Kylie Proctor. However, they had so many possessions due to relentless pressure all over the court.
In the second half, the defence end was ruthless, getting hands up and over everything and consistently picking off passes. Young April Bethune seemed to be everywhere and was a nightmare for Bairnsdale. Award: April Bethune. B grade: Drouin 68 defeated Bairnsdale 52. It was a slow start, Drouin not converting some turnovers and opportunities. Once they got the feel for the game, it all started to click.
Under 17 players Alana Rippon, Chelsea DeRiter and Taylah Marsh-Irwin stepped up and complimented the more mature players Ali Macarthur, Kelly Hedley and Rachel Morris.
Shooting the pressure shots was Jemyma Leishout in goal attack. Driving superbly onto the ring was “play maker” Kelly Hedley. Both received awards. C grade: Drouin 56 defeated Bairnsdale 38. Drouin quickly established a seven-goal lead. Goal keeper Lia Olsen worked hard on the tall shooter, taking intercepts whenever possible and keeping the pressure on in the ring. Also in defence, Abby Craig and Tasha Kimber used speed and drive down the court.
The attack end was “on”. Jess Murray and Emily Bethune timed their drives onto the ring perfectly, allowing Sam East to use her height.
Utilising space in the ring was Abbey Tyrrell who shot accurately and with confidence. Awards: Lia Olsen and Abbey Tyrrell. Under 17: Drouin 57 defeated Bairnsdale 33. The team came out firing but couldn’t sustain the intensity and made some silly errors, letting Bairnsdale back into the match.
They refocused at half-time and came out with intent, extending their lead. The midcourt played well with Alana Rippon in centre, Macarra Parkinson coming on into wing attack, and Olivia East in wing defence.
Macarra and Alana used speed to get the ball on the circle. Olivia drove any turnovers down the court and worked hard to keep her wing attack wide.
Awards: Alana Rippon, Macarra Parkinson and Olivia East. Under 15: Drouin 18 lost to Bairnsdale 50. It was a tough game with Drouin able to create turnovers but struggling to get the ball down the court.
Ella Gown and Bailey Flemming were strong in defence, putting lots of pressure on Bairnsdale’s goalers. Holly Andrews played a fantastic game, driving hard and her tight defence getting many intercepts.
Down in the goaling ring, different combinations all worked together. Award: Holly Andrews. Under 13: Drouin 3 lost to Bairnsdale 45. It was a fantastic team effort with great passages of play, both from Drouin’s centre passes and when a turnover was created. In the crowd’s opinion, the scoreline didn’t reflect the game.
The attacking play by Maya Cooper, Matilda Carroll and Emily Bertuola was well timed; and Lucy McKellar was outstanding in defence.
Awards: Lainy Downie and Charlie Hendrik.