NETBALL REVIEW

By Matt Fotia

It was a massive weekend of netball in the Outer East with sides breaking their duck, others putting together some form and a rebuild showing some positive signs. Read about all that and more in the Netball Review.

Wandin got its first win of the season knocking off Narre Warren by two goals away from home 41-43. The Dogs got the jump on the Magpies in the first quarter nailing down 15 goals to lead by six at the first change before Narre Warren gained the ascendancy to hit the front at the last change 31-28. Wandin then produced another 15 goal quarter to run away victors.

Cassidy Iedema shot 35 goals for the Dogs in a best on court performance, whilst Chloe Phillips (13) and Jemma Osborne (16) were well held by Ruby Tidd and Tash Sinclair. Wandin Wing Defence Charlotte Sparkes was also impressive for the Dogs who may have recaptured a little bit of their 2018 form on the weekend.

Woori Yallock won a crucial affair against Berwick in similar fashion, jumping the Wickers in the first term 16 to seven. After that the match was relatively even with the Tigers extending their lead by a further three goals across the final three quarters to finish up 12 goal winners 55-43.

Maddy Hargrave shot 31 goals for the Tigers, combining well with Mia Sudomurski who finished with 24. Jasmine Evans put in a strong performance as well for Woori Yallock, who now climb to sixth on the table. Emma Clarke shot 33 goals for Berwick.

Elsewhere Beaconsfield set up a massive clash with fellow undefeated side Olinda Ferny Creek this weekend by defeating Upwey Tecoma away from home – skipper Bianca Sanzaro shooting 44 goals, whilst Cranbourne scrapped it out against Healesville to win 35-20 and take up third spot on the ladder.

In Division One Monbulk made it two wins on the trot, defeating the inconsistent Pakenham by 13 goals, 52-39.

The Hawks ran away with the game in the second half. They led by just three goals at the main break (26-23) before keeping the Lions to just 16 goals in the second half. Stephanie Puopolo shot 43 goals for the hosts, bringing her season tally to 113. Goal Attack Sophie Stubbs shot nine and was named one of Monbulk’s best.

For the Lions, Caitlin Cooke was best on court and Kyra Esler continued her consistent season with another 26 goals.

Mount Evelyn bounced back with a 19 goal win over Doveton, keeping the Doves to just 20 goals for the afternoon, allowing just seven goals to be scored against them in the first half.

Ellie Karalua shot 20 goals, whilst Georgia Marsh netted 19. Kaitlyn Black was superb as was Ellie Fremantle. The Rovers are now clear in second spot on the table, one game behind ROC and a game clear of Warburton Millgrove.

The Burras ran out easy winners on the weekend over Emerald, with playing coach Bianca Daniels netting 33 goals to return to the top of the goal shooting tables, whilst ROC defeated Belgrave by 27 goals to maintain their undefeated start to the year.

There are some really positive signs coming out of Yarra Glen after the RiverPigs caused a minor upset against Yarra Junction on Saturday. A tight first quarter saw Yarra Glen in front by just two goals at quarter time, before a massive 18 goal to seven second term gave the RiverPigs enough breathing room to get the four points, 62-44.

Nicole Moate shot 28 goals for the victors with support from Alicia Hughes who finished with 19. The Eagles goal scoring duo of Finn and Michelle still performed well netting 23 and 21 goals respectively.

Meanwhile Kinglake recorded a comfortable win over a spirited Powelltown to consolidate third position on the table. Both sides played identical first and second quarters with the Lakers winning both 12 goals to seven to hold a 10 goal lead at the main break – 24 to 14. The Towners managed to break double figures in both of the last two quarters (11 each) but unfortunately allowed the Lakers to net 15 and 12 goals in third and fourth quarter respectively.

Kinglake recruit Billie Cvijetic shot 37 goals and was one of the Lakers best alongside Wing Defence Renee Wilson. For Powelltown Samantha Hansen shot 20 goals, Nicole Hadjer the other 16. Demi Barber and Maddalyn Beet were Powelltown’s best.

The other two Division Two matches saw Yea win convincingly over Gembrook-Cockatoo, whilst Jackie Cullimore shot 41 goals in Seville’s win over Alexandra – taking the Blues to second spot on the ladder, behind the undefeated Tigers.