Warragul & Drouin Gazette

Hawks win B grade thriller

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Drouin’s B grade side produced their best netball to take a thrilling one-goal win over Maffra on Saturday. A grade: Drouin 38 lost to Maffra 49. It was an adjusted line-up that took the court for the Hawks on Saturday, and they just couldn’t hold it together against a relentless Maffra.

In defence, the combinatio­n worked well, stopping many of Maffra’s attackers from feeding in the ball and rebounding when the opportunit­y was there.

In attack, everyone knew it was going to be a challenge to find rhythm and consistenc­y; but to their credit the team pushed hard and the goalers worked to keep the scoreline ticking.

It just wasn’t to be but was pleasing to see the depth the club has for the future. Award winners: Maddie Morrison. B grade: Drouin 41 defeated Maffra 40. This was one of the best games the Hawks have played all season.

It was a full-term effort where everyone played their role and played with energy and intent.

In defence, the Hawks were ruthless; attacking everything and great transition into attack. This included a game changing intercept.

In attack, the Hawks had to adjust to some changes due to injuries and did so beautifull­y. Macy Newcombe’s positionin­g and feeding on the ring was continuall­y spectacula­r.

They were composed, patient and worked hard to score from all turnovers.

It was a great win and the hard work is starting to pay off. Awards: Ali McArthur and Macy Newcombe. C grade: Drouin 25 lost to Maffra 46. It was going to be a tough game against top of the ladder and reigning premiers Maffra. However, the Hawks knew they could match them, and for most of the game they did.

The Hawks kept possession of the ball well; both ends adjusting to some new ideas and movements.

The attackers worked hard to keep the ball moving against quality defence. The defenders tried hard all day to minimise the Maffra attack and apply pressure outside the ring, which paid off numerous times.

Awards: Courtney Miller, Rachel Pullen and Sarah Sharpe. Under 17s: Drouin 39 lost to Maffra 51. It was a good game for the Hawks who have shown their improvemen­t over the last few weeks.

The girls all came out firing and worked hard all the way up and down the court. This drive through the court was led by Kiarna Craig who pushed hard and found space all day.

In goals, Olivia Konstanty rewarded her teammates for their hard work; scoring accurately under pressure all day.

The team is coming together just in time for the second half of the season. Awards: Olivia Konstanty and Kiarna Craig. Under 15s: Drouin 8 lost to Maffra 84. It was still bitterly cold when the girls lined up; proving that netball truly takes some commitment in winter. And it was commitment that these girls showed.

A strong opposition really pushed the Hawks to work harder and smarter on Saturday. They were able to change up their game and score more in the second half.

Chasing every loose ball and proving great drive in the midcourt was Elizabeth McKenzie, who played an outstandin­g game.

Defensivel­y, Milli Tompkins had perfect body positionin­g to provide her team with many intercepts. At the opposite end, Tess Mapleson shot with confidence and moved perfectly in the ring.

A tough game for the girls but a very proud coach pleased with their hard work and persistenc­e thus far into the season.

Awards: Milli Tompkins, Tess Mapleson and Elizabeth McKenzie. Under 13s: Drouin 15 lost to Maffra 48. A slow start by the Baby Hawks on Saturday with an off first quarter in very cold conditions.

However, after a pep talk at quarter time, they came out firing in the second quarter and continued that high level of intensity for the remainder of the game.

With some new combinatio­ns out on court, they adjusted well. As the game progressed, the ball really started to flow, and the crowd saw some fantastic passages of play down the court.

Defensivel­y, every player worked hard all game, and continued to produce turnovers over a quality side, which is a testament to their work rate. Award: Matilda Carroll for a fantastic game in centre.

 ??  ?? Right: Drouin wing attack Alana Rippon out manoeuvres Maffra centre Emma Allman to be an option for her A grade teammates on Saturday.
Drouin lost 38-49.
Right: Drouin wing attack Alana Rippon out manoeuvres Maffra centre Emma Allman to be an option for her A grade teammates on Saturday. Drouin lost 38-49.
 ??  ?? Left: Drouin’s Sarah Dunn moves the ball out of defence alongside Maffra wing attack Jemma Dorward (left) and Drouin wing defence Rachael Morris during A grade.
Photograph­s Amanda Emary. by
Left: Drouin’s Sarah Dunn moves the ball out of defence alongside Maffra wing attack Jemma Dorward (left) and Drouin wing defence Rachael Morris during A grade. Photograph­s Amanda Emary. by
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