Match Report: Eagles start Division 12 season on winning note over Norwood

By Elly Kirlis.

Vermont Eagles White claimed their first win of the 2025 Ringwood Mazda EFNL netball Division 12 season, defeating Norwood White by 19 goals in a superb performance at HE Parker.

A 9-7 opening term set the tone for the Eagles, who outscored Norwood in each remaining quarter on their way to producing an impressive 38-19 triumph.

It was a dominant opening half from the Eagles shooters, with Kara Tuite finishing the game with 9 goals, whilst Tameekah Townsend played a fantastic support role, finishing with seven goals. Isabelle Nealey also played a fantastic attacking role, finishing with 12 goals. 

Grace Zhang was superb in the defensive end in Goal Defence and Goal Keeper, whilst Isabelle Nealey played a strong defensive game, whilst having a run in Centre in the second quarter. 

Whilst it was a tough shooting night for Norwood, Norwood saw some strong efforts from Mary Ayuel, finishing with 13 goals. 

Whilst it was a tight contested first quarter, it was the Eagle’s ability to apply great amounts of pressure to their opposition, was the catalyst from the second quarter onwards. 

Led by Isabelle Nealy and Kayla Nealy, the Eagles didn’t allow Norwood any easy transitions down the court, while in the attacking third, Vermont also controlled things with an six-goal first term from Kara Tuite seeing her side lead by two at the first break. 

The intensity didn’t fall away in the second term as Kayla Nealy and Isabelle Nealy dominated in quarter. It was a whole team collective in the midcourt to find transition into the attacking third, only ensuring Norwood scoring one goal for the term. 

Vermont Eagles continued their work rate, although Norwood showed some great fight in the third quarter. Vermont would end the third term in impressive fashion to extend their advantage to 21 goals approaching the final quarter. 

The Eagles made sure of the victory with another terrific term in the last, scoring eight goals to six. It capped off a brilliant four quarter performance which resulted in them winning their first match of the season.