By Wil Spence
A month into the Women’s Netball Season, and the excitement among the competition is still sky high. It is the tightest competition we have ever seen and there was plenty of almost major upsets in each section proving the consistency of all eight sections, with several teams playing their first games in new division’s this week.
Section 1
Knox Falcons def by East Ringwood 43
In a close affair between two sides fighting for a position in finals, it was East Ringwood who finished on top in nail-biting fashion. After trailing at the end of the 2nd quarter, Emily Salmon stepped up in attack scoring 32 goals to bring home East Ringwood Black, after leading by 1 goal at the final break, they held on to win by 2 goals in a great match.
Other Results
Heathmont 44 def by Croydon 52
East Burwood Rams 51 def Lilydale 47
Ferntree Gully 40 def by East Burwood Black 53
Section 2
Coldstream 27 def by Vermont Eagles 28
Coming into this match, it was a must win for both teams to cement them selves in the top echelon of section 2, it was Vermont Eagles Gold who had the leger by one solitary goal to win in a great display of netball. Scores were tied at 22 apiece at the end of the 3rd quarter, but it was Vermont who held on, on the back of Ella Tweedale’s performance in attack with 24 goals in an awesome display of shooting.
Other Results
The Basin 30 def Warrandyte Swans 26
Kilsyth 31 def Croydon North MLOC 27
Scoresby Magpies 37 def Oakleigh Districts 29
Section 3
Lilydale 24 def The Basin 23
In what could’ve been a major upset with the top seeded Lilydale Gold after 4 rounds, The Basin who are 7th on the ladder almost caused a major boil over to lose by 1 goal. Demonstrating the evenness of the section, Lilydale Gold proved to strong in the dying stages with Jessica Lowe scoring 16 goals and was supported in attack with Zoe Abbruzzese contributing 8 goals. The Basin’s own Hayley Gstrein scored 16 goals.
Other Results
East Ringwood 32 def East Burwood 14
Whitehorse Pioneers def Glen Waverley Hawks
Mulgrave 34 def Kilsyth Cougars 23
Section 4
Silvan Cats 25 def by Glen Waverley Hawks 28
In what could’ve been a massive upset the 4th seeded Glen Waverley Hawks White hung on to defeat the 8th seeded Silvan Cats by 3 goals. Silvan had their chances and would consider themselves unlucky had they not given up a 6-goal deficit at three quarter time. With more time left a charging Silvan Cats may have got over the line. However, a strong display in attack from Sarah Miller who scored 17 goals was too strong for Silvan. A lot to take out from both clubs, but the more experienced side proved too strong.
Other Results
Heathmont 19 def by Park Orchards 25
East Burwood 16 def by Nunawading Lions 24
Ferntree Gully 20 def by Montrose 41
Section 5
Coldstream 34 def by Chirnside Park 36
Coldstream Red also almost caused another major upset against the undefeated Chirnside Park Panthers. Yet again demonstrating the evenness of each section, Coldstream Red will be really disengaged after their loss having led after the first term by 2 goals, but it was the Panthers who came home strong and hung on late to win by 2 goals on the back of Tayla Ferguson scoring 26 goals. Ferguson has scored a remarkable 90 goals after 4 games. Madison Carroll can hold her head high for Coldstream contributing 27 goals almost being the difference maker in attack.
Other Results
Balwyn 36 def Scoresby Magpies 5
Coldstream 9 def by Vermont Eagles 38
Upper Ferntree Gully Red 9 def by Ringwood 18
Knox 19 def by Upper Ferntree Gully 37
Section 6
East Ringwood 23 def by Glen Waverley Hawks 41
The undefeated Glen Waverley Hawks Yellow were too strong for the developing East Ringwood White, scoring 23 goals in the 2nd half in a powerful display of team defense and ultra-consistent scoring. Alyssa Newey scored a game high 30 goals and was well supported by Adelle Mazzarella 11 goals in a dominate display from Glen Waverley, clearly the team to beat after a month.
Other Results
Coldstream 36 def Montrose 16
Kilsyth 9 def by Ringwood 31
Section 7
South Belgrave 20 def by Waverley Blues 30
In a 4th v 5th clash, there is a clear gap from the top teams to the bottom teams and Waverley Blues Red proved to be one of the teams to beat putting on a clinic in attack. After a slow start trailing a gallant South Belgrave Saints at qtr. It was all Waverley Blues Red from then on having a 10-goal lead into the final quarter and proved to strong on the back of Gabriella Hatch’s 19 goal performance. Both with a 2-2 record, week 5 is an important week for both clubs to bank a win to avoid being 2-3.
Other Results
Montrose Thunder 9 def by Montrose Storm 28
Nunawading 5 def by Heathmont 39
Kilsyth 10 def by Coldstream 31
Section 8
Montrose Heat 18 def by Scoresby 22
With a great unknown heading into this game with Scoresby Magpies Grey’s first game for the season against a lowly ranked Montrose Heat, it was difficult to gauge how the game would be played out. However, in a closely fought game with multiple lead changes. Scoresby Magpies Grey trailed the entire game until they final put their noises in front in the final quarter. Outscoring their opponent 8-3 in the final quarter. Jordyn Walker contributed 15 goals to help Scoresby Magpies Grey start their campaign with a win.
Other Results
Mulgrave 28 def by The Basin 41
East Burwood 20 def by Ferntree Gully 22
Waverley Blues Bye