By Will Spence
The 2nd week of EFNL’s Netball competition was filled with many nail-biting finishes, indifferent results for some, and many upsets to begin an action-packed Friday night of Women’s Netball.
Section 1
Heathmont Jets 50 def Lilydale Falcons 47
One of the matches of the round, this game lived up to its expectation, and the Falcons will be disappointed with their loss.
After leading by six at half-time and leading by a solitary goal at the end of the 3rd term, it was the Jets who held their nerve, en route to a three-goal win.
Rory Barr, Jessica Zajc and Taylah Barr, all contributed with 20, 18 and 12 goals respectively showcasing their depth among goals.
Kirralee Luiyf and Taniesha Luiyf were the spark among goals for Lilydale, with an even 24 and 23 goals respectively almost getting the Falcons over the line.
An important win for Heathmont jumps them to 5th place 1-1 record, and Lilydale drops from 2nd to 4th also with a 1-1 record.
Other Results
Kilysth Cougars 17 def by East Burwood Black 69
Ferntree Gully Eagles Blue 28 def by East Ringwood Black 48
Knox Falcons 47 def by East Burwood Rams 50
Section 2
The Basin Kodiaks 35 def Oakleigh Districts 31
An incredible comeback from the Kodiaks may be the catalyst towards their push for finals.
The Basin was down throughout almost the entirety of the match, but there was a sense of urgency and a possible comeback on the cards. Oakleigh Districts had an important six goal lead heading into the final quarter.
However, it was The Basin who led the charge in the final quarter, outscoring Oakleigh, 15-5, winning the match by four goals. Melissa Beardsworth was her dominant self again backing up from her 16 goals in week one with 22 goals this week. Christie Brinkhuis was dangerous among goals for Oakleigh scoring 25 of their 31 goals putting on an individual masterclass, but ultimately not being enough.
Other Results
Scoresby Magpies Black 18 def by Croydon North MLOC 34
East Burwood Grey 6 def by Croydon 51
Coldstream Grey 31 def Warrandyte Swans White 23
Vermont Eagles Gold Bye
Section 3
Mulgrave Red 23 def by Whitehorse Pioneers 28
One of the only close encounters in section three, Whitehorse Pioneers were able to hold their nerve after trailing at quarter time, they controlled the rest of the match, leading by six goals at the 3rd term, and proved too strong for Mulgrave, which to some may be a lost opportunity.
Elizabeth Bonnett was influential scoring 20 goals after backing up from her 26 last week. Grace Thomas was also important contributing eight goals for her side.
Jessica Hoskin can hold her head high scoring 15 goals but was not enough to give Mulgrave Red a win.
Other Results
Lilydale Gold 45 def Glen Waverley Hawks Blue 18
East Ringwood 31 def Kilysth Cougars Black 15
Montrose Demons 19 def by The Basin Cubs 22
Vermont Eagles White 47 def by Ferntree Gully Eagles Yellow 11
Section 4
Montrose Flames 16 def Nunawading Lions Gold 15
A game that could’ve gone either way, Montrose Flames against Nunawading Lions Gold was section 4’s best match decided by a single goal.
Montrose had an indifferent first half leading at quarter time but not capitalising, unable to register a score in the 2nd quarter and trailing by one goal to the Lions. Both sides broke even in the 3rd quarter with the Lions still holding that slender lead. Defense was at it’s absolute best in a low scoring affair, but it was Montrose who came up on top outscoring the Lions six-four in the final quarter to come from behind in a nail-biting fashion.
Stephanie Verhoef and Michelle Inglese scored eight goals each for Montrose Flames, and Rebekah Breukers contributed seven goals for the Lions.
Other Results
Mulgrave Blue 23 def by Silvan Cats 29
Heathmont White 35 def Glen Waverley Hawks White 26
Upper Ferntree Gully Red 16 def by Park Orchards Black 31
East Burwood Silver 30 def Boronia Gold 18
Section 5
Balwyn 26 def by Ringwood White 33
Ringwood White got off to a great start in the first quarter outscoring the Tigers 13-5. From then on Ringwood had the game on their terms and were in control winning every quarter. Yet, a gallant performance from the Tigers has not gone unnoticed demonstrating a never give up attitude all the way till the final siren had sounded.
Kelsey Makar was consistent behind the goals once again scoring 21 goals and was well supported by teammate Nicole Stagg who scored 10 of her own.
Chandler Nichols scored 10 goals for Balwyn.
Other Results
Coldstream Black 24 def by Chirnside Park Panthers 42
Upper Ferntree Gully Blue 26 def by Vermont Eagles Purple 34
Coldstream Red 37 def Heathmont Blue 21
Knox Black 25 def Scoresby Magpies White 15
Section 6
Nunawading Lions Maroon 3 def by Glen Waverley Hawks Yellow 63
A demolition job from the Glen Waverley Hawks Yellow has sparked the attention of the EFNL community. The Hawks never took a foot off the pedal and scored goals at will. After a slow start in the first quarter, Glen Waverley started to get their eye in around the goals and put on a defensive masterclass conceding three goals for the entirety of the game.
Hannah Jefferis scored an enormous 35 goals, and Alyssa Newey was also outstanding producing 19 majors.
Other Results
Mitcham Black 12 def by Ringwood Black 16
Kilysth Cougars Red 20 def by Montrose Devils 26
East Ringwood White 27 def by Coldstream 47
South Croydon Blue 9 def by Boronia Brown 29
Section 7
Kilysth Cougars White 19 def by Coldstream Blue 20
All three matches played in section 7 were close affairs. However, Kilysth and Coldstream’s match-up was determined by a single point, going the way of Coldstream Blue. The Cougars were trailing by two goals heading into the final quarter, but Coldstream’s defense proved too strong holding their nerve in the final moments to avoid a draw.
Rebecca Jackson’s 14 goals was the most among any player on the court and proved extremely important towards their win. Melanie Emery scored 13 goals for Kilysth and can hold her head high.
Other Results
South Belgrave Saints 20 def Scoresby Magpies Grey 14
Montrose Storm 29 def Waverley Blues Red 26
Ferntree Gully Eagles White Bye
Section 8
The Basin Grizzlies 14 def by Heathmont Yellow 53
Heathmont Yellow stamped themselves as one of the teams to beat in section 8. Heathmont piled on the goals at will from the moment they set foot on the court. Scoring double digit goals in each quarter, Heathmont was no match for the Grizzlies defense and ran away with a commanding win. Both Paige Lesiputty and Skylar Browne scored 28 and 25 goals respectively in front of attack displaying an imposing duo for other teams.
Other Results
Montrose Thunder 21 def Waverley Blues White 7
East Burwood White 19 def Montrose Heat 16
Mulgrave Yellow Bye
