Hawks win two in the wet
Warragul Leongatha Wonthaggi Sale Bairnsdale Wonthaggi Drouin Maffra Leongatha Bairnsdale Drouin Morwell Bairnsdale Leongatha Sale 69.05 57.41 94.55 70.24 66.67 87.88 84.09 82.72 72.88 68.22 95.59 61.64 84.29 64.63 61.33 4 4 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 4 4 0 0 0
Drouin netballers had two wins and a draw in wet conditions against Maffra.
A grade: Drouin 51 defeated Maffra 44.
A grade started a little flat and slow in some tough conditions.
Stacie Gardiner played a strong, controlled game in attack, linking well with Ruby Pratt at the centre pass. Their drive to the circle was always quick and controlled.
Drouin managed to increase the tempo in the third quarter through some great defensive work by Ebony Mumford. Alana Rippon came on for her first A grade game and created pressure in a short amount of time.
It was great to see all the new combinations starting to work well together. Award: Stacie Gardiner. B grade: Drouin 33 drew Maffra 33. Drouin upped defensive pressure and work rate as a team this week.
Ali McArthur and Rachel Morris worked together defensively on the centre pass and second phase. Lia Olsen and Natalie Sloan were outstanding and created turnovers all game, including the crucial moments.
Jodie Proctor showed great leadership in the attack end, directing play and communicating with Drouin’s new, young attack end. Prue Cavanagh was one of those youngsters to play her first senior game. Awards: Natalie Sloan and Lia Olsen. C grade: Drouin 31 lost to Maffra 40. This was a close game in the cold and wet conditions, with both teams taking the lead at different stages.
The Drouin defenders had a difficult task trying to limit the scoring opportunities in a tall, strong Maffra goal circle. Nevertheless, the defenders committed to the game plan and reaped the rewards.
Lateisha Edwards was impressive in applying pressure to cause turnovers.
Unfortunately, Drouin was unable to regain the lead in the final quarter but never gave up the fight. Award: Lateisha Edwards. Under 17s: Drouin 24 lost to Maffra 35.
Defensive pressure from the whole team was much improved this week. Drouin worked hard one-on-one all down the court to create opportunities for its defenders.
Holly Andrews and Alana Rippon are building on their partnership in defence. Holly attacked the ball well outside the circle.
In the attack end, once Drouin started to give and go, they were able to penetrate the circle. Kirsten Groenewaldt and Prue Cavanagh are working well and developing their circle rotations.
Drouin’s third quarter was outstanding, lifting their work rate but Maffra were up to the challenge and proved too strong in the end. Award: Holly Andrews Under 15s: Drouin 27 defeated Maffra 23.
In challenging conditions, the Hawks had their first win of the season.
Versatility was a key element in the win, with girls playing out of their comfort zones and doing a fantastic job.
There is still lots of work for the girls on the road ahead. However, it was great to see the girls rewarded for their efforts with the four premiership points.
Awards: Ella Newcombe.
Under 13s: Drouin 13 lost to Maffra 45.
The baby Hawks played another great game on Thursday night against a tough and much taller Maffra side.
Drouin continue to show promise and improvement, playing well for the second game of the season. Play down the court is open and controlled, with all the players sticking to their structures.
It was another creditable performance ahead of the road trip to Bairnsdale this week.
Awards: Holly Cheyne and Tess Mapleson. East and Macy