Hawks gain finals confidence

A grade: Drouin 69 def Wonthaggi Power 53, Warragul 52 def Bairnsdale 38, Moe 66 def Maffra 28, Sale 44 def Leongatha 43, Traralgon 47 def Morwell 38.

B grade: Wonthaggi Power 51 def Drouin 35, Warragul 54 def Bairnsdale 28, Moe 51 def Maffra 32, Sale 53 def Leongatha 39, Traralgon 59 def Morwell 26.

C grade: Drouin 41 def Wonthaggi Power 27, Bairnsdale 46 def Warragul 26, Maffra 42 def Moe 33, Sale 37 def Leongatha 32, Traralgon 54 def Morwell 29.

Under 17: Wonthaggi Power 53 def Drouin 37, Bairnsdale 44 def Warragul 26, Moe 51 def Maffra 46, Sale 41 def Leongatha 37, Traralgon 39 def Morwell 37.

Under 15: Drouin 73 def Wonthaggi Power 13, Bairnsdale 53 def Warragul 23, Moe 44 def Maffra 33, Sale 49 def Leongatha 33, Morwell 31 def Traralgon 28.

Under 13: Wonthaggi Power 35 def Drouin 7, Bairnsdale 44 def Warragul 7, Maffra 34 def Moe 22, Sale 38 def Leongatha 23, Traralgon 45 def Morwell 29.

Drouin gained confidence for finals after strong wins over Wonthaggi Power in A and C grades as well as the under 15s.

A grade: Drouin 69 defeated Wonthaggi Power 53.

This was a great win for Drouin leading into finals.

Drouin’s full-court defence was solid all day, building the pressure against Wonthaggi. Wonthaggi was in the contest in the first half, but eventually worn down by Drouin’s relentless defence.

Kelly Hedley was a driving force for Drouin in the midcourt, managing to outrun four different opponents in the centre.

In attack, the Hawks’ ball movement was fantastic, and this was capped off by some accurate shooting from the sister act, Kylie Proctor and Christie Edwards.

Drouin take on rivals Warragul in the elimination final on Sunday, which should be a great contest. Award: Kelly Hedley. B grade: Drouin 35 lost to Wonthaggi Power 51.

This was not the way Drouin wanted to finish the season. Wonthaggi played a fierce and physical game that Drouin took too long to adapt to.

Defensively, Lucy McKellar came up from the 15s and teamed well with veteran Ali McArthur. The defensive pressure from both Lucy and Ali created turnovers that kept Drouin in the contest.

Jodie Proctor in wing attack and Alana Rippon in centre combined well in the midcourt, working the ball onto the goal circle and putting themselves in great feeding position.

Award: Ali McArthur.

C grade: Drouin 41 defeated Wonthaggi Power 27.

Drouin had a really positive win leading into finals.

They played with flowing ball movement, without hesitation, which worked for them.

Lateisha Edwards showed her versatility, moving into the centre. Her timing made her a driving force in the midcourt.

Goal shooter Abbey Tyrell teamed well with Taylah Marsh-Irwin and was a calming influence.

Rachel Pullen and Monique Adrichem applied great defence pressure and drove the ball out of defence with speed.

Juniors Kiarna Craig and Macy Newcombe made their senior debuts and both fitted in beautifully, adapting to the different style of netball very well.

For the first time in around eight years, Drouin’s C grade girls will make a finals appearance, which is very exciting for the club. Awards: Abbey Tyrell and Lateisha Edwards. Under 17s: Drouin 37 lost to Wonthaggi Power 53.

A slow start by Drouin allowed Wonthaggi to get a good lead by the first break.

Drouin switched on in the second quarter, playing better quality netball and matching it with the ladder leaders. The Hawks were more composed in attack, using angles in the goal circle to find good shooting position.

Prue Cavanagh had another superb game in goal keeper; her work rate outstanding from the first whistle to the last.

Alana Rippon turned the ball over in the midcourt, creating many opportunities for Drouin to score.

Unfortunately, Wonthaggi were too strong on the day. Awards: Prue Cavanagh and Alana Rippon. Under 15s: Drouin 73 defeated Wonthaggi Power 13.

It was a fantastic display of team work and focus by Drouin this week.

They girls all worked very hard on aspects of their game that they need to address in preparation for finals.

Defensively, the girls were terrific all over the court. Their ball movement was free-flowing and precise.

Hopefully, Drouin can continue this impressive form into the qualifying final against Bairnsdale on Saturday. Awards: Ella Gown and Ella East. Under 13s: Drouin 7 lost to Wonthaggi Power 35.

The Baby Hawkers finished the season with a good performance.

Their defensive pressure was outstanding, all over the court, and there were some strong passages of play throughout.

Drouin also had to contend with tough defence from Wonthaggi which meant Drouin’s scoring rate was not as high as they would have liked. However, Drouin had plenty of ball which was great to see against a top three side.

Overall, the Baby Hawkers have had another tough season, but their determination and commitment has pleased their coaches. It has been great to see the players enjoying their netball whilst continuing to develop their skills.

Awards: Lainey Downie and Morgan Cook.