Hawks defence on top
Drouin came away with two senior wins – and almost gained three – against Sale on Saturday.
Drouin thanked Sale for altering game times for the club to attend the DDNA official court opening.
A grade: Drouin 46 defeated Sale 34. It was a game for the defenders on Saturday, with Drouin’s defenders dictating the pace during the first quarter with lots of turnovers. Moving into the second quarter, Drouin established a comfortable five-goal lead through the accuracy of Karina Proctor, whilst Stacie Gardiner faced rather close encounters with the goal ring - showing how brutal it can be in that half circle.
In the third quarter, Drouin was able to restrict Sale to only five goals, setting up for a good lead.
In the final quarter, everything worked. Kym Diston and Macy Newcombe drove the ball fantastically down the court; whilst Sara Russell and Ella Henderson combined beautifully, providing opportunities to score and feed the ball into the ring.
Awards: Kym Diston, Karina Proctor and Macy Newcombe.
B grade: Drouin 39 lost to Sale 45. It was a tough game from beginning to end with Drouin pegging back an eight-goal lead to only four in the last few minutes.
Sale made positional changes to stop the final push from the Hawks. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
With Jess Murray stepping up to combine with Maddy Caddy in defence, the Sale goalers had their work cut out. Moved into goals for the game was ever-able Chelsea DeRiter, backed up with Ella East, who both shot and rebounded well.
Running and ruling the midcourt was Deb Thomas, backed up by the whole team who set into motions strong defence and always finding space.
Awards: Deb Thomas, Maddy Caddy and Chelsea DeRiter.
C grade: Drouin 19 defeated Sale 17. It was a winnable game from the first whistle as Drouin scored the first two goals. But Sale started to return the push and the game was on.
Everyone worked hard down court in attacking and defence. Monique Berkhout, Jess Murray and Kath Buckland fed the ball beautifully into goalers Darcy Appleby, Kaylee Nalder and Chrissy Walsh. Rosa Jagoe, Heather Newcombe and Sarah Sharpe stepped up their defensive pressure, getting interceptions, rebounds and first hands to the ball.
Awards: Chrissy Walsh, Jess Murray and Heather Newcombe.
Under 17s: Drouin 9 lost to Sale 41. Drouin came up against a strong and highly skilled team in Sale.
The girls focussed on implementing communication on the centre pass and setting up team structures.
Defence across the whole court was outstanding, providing many scoring opportunities. The team will now work on minimising unforced errors.
Awards: Sidney Awty and Elizabeth McKenzie.
Under 15s: Drouin 8 lost to Sale 67. Drouin faced a tough game with a fractured finger leaving only seven players in the team.
It was great to see Alice Waddell fight for every ball and Kaylee Nalder working in goals and defence.
Every week the girls improve their skills. If they keep working hard at training, the results will come.
Award: Kaylee Nalder.
Under 13s: Drouin 1 lost to Sale 51. The Baby Hawks came up against a very sleek Sale side.
Drouin showed promising moments with open court plays, displays of determination and second efforts. A few different combinations and positions were tried with Evie Piner showing amazing perseverance and determination in wing attack and Fiona Nalder starring in the midcourt and goals.
Every player gave 100 per cent and showed great improvement, staying positive in tough conditions.
Award: Fiona Nalder.