NETBALL: Saints storm home over Blues

THE Under 14B Saints netball side delivered an outstanding team performance on a very chilly morning, defeating the Royal Blues in a dominant victory.

The Saints came out firing in the opening quarter, displaying exceptional teamwork and determination from the first whistle.

Their strong attacking play and relentless defence kept the Royal Blues scoreless, allowing the Saints to build an impressive 18–0 lead by the first break.

The momentum continued into the second quarter as the Saints maintained intense defensive pressure, keeping the ball out of the Royal Blues’ goal circle for much of the term.

Despite a determined effort from their opponents, the Royal Blues managed to score just one goal before halftime, with the Saints extending their advantage to 33–1.

The third quarter highlighted not only the Saints’ skill but also their excellent sportsmanship.

While easing the pace slightly, they continued to control the game through disciplined defence and teamwork, finishing the quarter comfortably ahead at 37–1.

In the final term, several Saints players embraced the opportunity to play in unfamiliar positions, showcasing their versatility while enjoying the challenge.

Although the Royal Blues lifted their defensive intensity, the Saints remained composed and continued to work together brilliantly, sealing a convincing 48–1 victory.

The result reflected the Saints’ outstanding teamwork, strong defensive effort, and positive sportsmanship throughout the match.

Weirs IGA Award: Courtney S, Canteen Award: Sylvie S, Anne Ezard Award: Myah C

ST Arnaud’s 14A Netball held an impressive all round win to record a convincing victory over Donald.

From the opening whistle, St Arnaud’s defenders applied pressure against Donald’s attackers throughout all four quarters.

Best on court went to Matilda K (Taylor’s Award), who was impressive in both GD and WD.

Across the court, St Arnaud displayed excellent teamwork, linking beautifully through the midcourt and moving the ball into the goal ring. Their smooth passages of play demonstrated the team’s growing connection.

At the attacking end, Imogen W and Natoya W were standout players, both earning awards (Weirs IGA, and St Arnaud Canteen) for their teamwork and seamless play to convert goals.

It was a complete team effort from St Arnaud, with every player contributing to an outstanding four quarter win.

THE Under 17 Saints side put together a determined performance against Donald’s Royal Blues, battling hard right until the final whistle despite going down 43–39.

The Saints started strongly in the opening quarter with some excellent passages of play through the midcourt and accurate passing into the ring.

Donald’s defence proved difficult to break down, leaving the Saints trailing by just one goal at the first break, 11–10.

The second quarter saw the Saints lift their defensive intensity, applying pressure all over the court and fighting hard to force valuable turnovers.

Their persistence paid off as they drew level with Donald, with the scores locked at 21–21 at half-time.

The Saints carried that momentum into the third quarter, driving strongly into the ring and converting their opportunities. Their hard work saw them edge ahead by the final change.

In a tough final quarter, both teams fought fiercely until the end.

Donald finished strongly to regain the lead, with the Saints never giving up in an entertaining contest.

Despite the result, the Saints showed great determination, teamwork and resilience throughout thematch. Petrie Mechanical: Mahlie M, Bendigo Bank: Eliza S, Ashley Z

DONALD started strongly in C Grade, with Emily H driving through the centre court and creating smooth transitions into attack.

Georgia T and Eliza S combined well in the goal circle despite tight defensive pressure from Donald. Donald held a two-goal lead at the first break.

Tayhah R set the tone in WD with an early intercept.

Torri Tillig delivered accurate and well- timed passes into the goal ring, providing excellent opportunities for our shooters.

Alexa Cameron applied strong defensive pressure, making her GS opponent work hard for every possession.

Donald capitalised on several St Arnaud passing errors to extend the lead to six goals by half time.

St Arnaud came out strongly and used the ball effectively to reduce the margin. India Griffith and Alexa Cameron worked well together in defence, creating multiple turnovers and controlling the defensive end.

Despite St Arnaud’s momentum, Donald responded with a strong team effort to maintain the lead.

Mahlie M’s quick work off the centre pass in WA enabled fast ball movement through the court.

Sienna C was instrumental in transitioning the ball from defence into attack. St Arnaud’s defence worked tirelessly, making Donald earn every goal. Donald remained calm and composed under pressure, Donald held their lead to finish with a six-goal win.

A highly competitive game, with both teams fighting hard until the final siren.

Sporting Club: Eliza S, Hendy Tyre and Battery: Emily H, St Arnaud Physio Centre: Torri Tillig

ST Arnaud faced Donald in a tough, highly defensive contest, with both teams applying relentless pressure across the court.

It was a physical game from start to finish, but the Saints continued to compete strongly despite the intensity.

Millie Hando was outstanding, applying constant defensive pressure that created numerous turnovers and helped keep the Saints in the contest.

Chelsea Gravener worked tirelessly all game, showing great resilience as she absorbed plenty of heavy body contact while continuing to contest every ball.

Aleshia Petrie once again displayed her trademark selfless style of play, keeping Donald’s attackers guessing with her defensive pressure and determination, never giving up on any contest.

It was fantastic to see the club’s young players Chloe N, Ava Wilson and Millie H again stepping up in the B Grade side and seeing athleticism, composure and skill.

O’Connor’s: Aleshia Petrie, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Ava Wilson.