Sport
23 April, 2026
NETBALL: Juniors jump on court
Fantastic passages of play and plenty of goals for both teams brought big smiles to the faces of the development coaches Mandy Medlyn, Chelsea Gravener and Johanna Medlyn.
WITH an abundance of 14 and under netballers for 2026, the Saints have introduced a Scratch Match for the St Arnaud 14C players joined by our top age Net Set Go netballers, giving up to 20 girls the opportunity to participate in match play on a Saturday.
A large crowd gathered to spectate the match under the brilliant sunny conditions.
Fantastic passages of play and plenty of goals for both teams brought big smiles to the faces of the development coaches Mandy Medlyn, Chelsea Gravener and Johanna Medlyn.
It is fantastic to welcome Mandy and her wealth of netball experience, knowledge and success back to the club.
Awards: Mars Bar awards: Ava S and Bridget C.
WHAT a magnificent start to Round 2 and the first home game of the season for the Saints. 14B was a joy to watch with great teamwork and connection down the court from both teams.
There was strong defence by the Saints backed by beautiful feeds into the ring and accurate shooting by GS and GA.
The score margin never wavered Donald’s efforts and desire to score. Donald and the Saints can both be proud of the sportsmanship and teamwork displayed by all players.
Both teams made changes to teams and player positions throughout the game highlighting the versatility of our young players and the strength of the future North Central Netball League.
Mercy rule was applied part way through third quarter with Saints leading by 30 v Donald nil.
All official scoring ceased at this point. However Donald was keen to get some scores on the board with GA and GS scoring one shot each part way through fourth quarter (even if not officially captured in the Score book and end result).
Awards: Weirs IGA: Ella W, Canteen: Evie E, Anne Ezard: Courtney S.
THE U14A team displayed beautiful confidence and teamwork this weekend, securing a decisive victory over a persistent Donald side.
The Saints signaled their intentions early, storming onto the court with an aggressive offensive strategy.
Within the first five minutes Saints scored three goals. Donald fought hard to match the intensity of the Saints with the first quarter ending with a very close margin.
The second half saw no dip in energy from the Saints. Displaying exceptional play as the ball moved fluidly through the mid-court to the shooters.
The spirit of Donald’s players never faltered as they continued to work hard through the final quarter, adding a few more points to their total.
Awards: Jarryd Ezard Construction: Tasha B, Canteen: Charlie J, Weirs IGA: Sienna T.
DONALD and Saints U17 started the game with intensity across all areas of the court. Strong defence from both teams kept scores close all throughout the first quarter.
Scores remained tight at half time with Donald leading 19 v St Arnaud 14.
Fresh legs on the court for the Saints at half time and some position changes had the Saints maintaining a competitive side and a close margin.
Players displayed consistent effort and strong play across all areas of the court for a full four quarters.
It was a close game with neither Saints or Donald showing any signs of slowing down or fatigue.
Awards: Trendz on Napier: Sienna C, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Mahlie M
WITH strong second and fourth quarters, St Arnaud C Grade gave it a red hot crack against Donald in the warm conditions.
With a mixed line-up and new combinations still building, the Saints showed plenty of promise and have a lot to look forward to as the season progresses.
Defensively, Lex Cameron was everywhere. Alongside Sarah Dalton, the pair applied relentless pressure and were standouts across the court. Their defensive work made Donald earn every possession.
Junior Emily Hilton was another standout, providing safety through her drives and patience with ball in hand.
Emily played multiple positions throughout the game and performed exceptionally wherever she was placed. Steph Smith never stopped running, constantly making herself an option up and down the court.
Some of her feeds into the goal ring were unbelievable and helped keep the Saints in the contest.
Awards: DK Built: Steph Smith, Torneys Fighting Fit: Georgia Taylor, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Sarah Dalton
THE B Grade girls took the court in the heat and immediately let Donald know they were there to play.
Aleshia Petrie was phenomenal, reading the play superbly all game.
The intercepts she collected were a credit to both her knowledge of the game and her athleticism.
She rewarded her teammates not only with incredible defensive pressure, but also with positive talk and by always providing a safe option.
Young shooter Chloe Needs barely missed a shot and created plenty of opportunity for goaling teammate Alex Baldwin, who used her speed well and worked hard to convert plenty of goals.
The Saints owned the third quarter, with Chelsea Gravener using her maturity and experience to help settle her teammates and take control when it mattered.
Millie Hando ran tirelessly through all four quarters in the centre position, matching up against a number of opponents and always adapting while giving her all.
Unfortunately, the Saints were unable to win all four quarters and went down in the end, but they certainly fought hard right to the final whistle.
Awards: St Arnaud Solar: Millie Hando, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Alex Baldwin
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