Sport
31 July, 2026
Wet weather the test on court
Persistent drizzle and a slick court made clean ball movement difficult, forcing players to rely on patience, composure and strong defensive pressure.
WET and wintry conditions tested both sides of Under 14A netball as Birchip-Watchem claimed a hard-fought victory over St Arnaud.
Persistent drizzle and a slick court made clean ball movement difficult, forcing players to rely on patience, composure and strong defensive pressure. Despite the challenging conditions, both teams attacked the contest with plenty of intensity from the opening whistle.
St Arnaud started brightly, matching Birchip-Watchem through the early exchanges with determined defensive efforts and strong pressure across the court.
However, the visitors gradually settled into the slippery conditions, finding greater rhythm through the mid court and capitalising on turnovers to edge ahead before halftime.
Birchip-Watchem’s defenders were outstanding, repeatedly disrupting St Arnaud’s attacking momentum and forcing rushed passes.
At the other end, their shooters made the most of limited opportunities, converting consistently despite the difficult footing beneath the ring. To St Arnaud’s credit, the home side refused to give in. They continued to contest every ball, producing several passages of spirited play that lifted supporters. Their defensive pressure created valuable intercepts and turnovers, but converting those opportunities into goals proved difficult against Birchip-Watchem’s disciplined defence.
As the rain continued to fall, Birchip-Watchem maintained control through the final quarter, protecting their lead with composed ball movement and disciplined decision-making to secure the win.
Jaryd Ezard Construction: Jaylah C; Weirs IGA: Tash B and Saints Canteen: Dahla P.
ST ARNAUD’S Under 14B won 17 to 9 with a solid effort across the court.
Players are combining well in set plays and new positions.
Weirs IGA- Evie Y; Canteen- Myah C; Anne Ezard- Phoenix G
THE SAINTS’ U17s faced a challenging contest at home on Saturday, going down to the Birchip Bulls in difficult wet and slippery conditions.
The Saints were on the back foot early, trailing 15-5 at the first break, but showed plenty of determination throughout the match.
Eliza S displayed accurate shooting under pressure, while the defensive end produced strong body-on-body contests, and Hannah S worked tirelessly in the mid court to apply pressure to Birchip’s strong attacking play.
Birchip extended its lead in the second term, but the Saints continued to fight.
Talisha J applied relentless defensive pressure through the midcourt, while Eliza S and Maeve P combined well in attack, working hard together in the ring and linking with some excellent passing passages.
Despite the scoreboard, St Arnaud never stopped competing in the third quarter.
Lucy O delivered quality passes into the goal ring, creating scoring opportunities, while Mahlie M’s defensive pressure kept the Bulls accountable across the court.
The Saints maintained their intensity until the final whistle. Ashley Z worked hard to intercept the ball despite the slippery conditions, and Emily H showed excellent positioning in the goal ring to provide a strong target for her teammates.
While the final score didn’t fall the Saints’ way, the team’s effort, resilience and determination in wet conditions were evident throughout the match.
Gilmac: Hannah S; Trendz on Napier: Lucy O; St Arnaud Physio Talisha J
THE Saints produced a strong four-quarter performance against Birchip in B Grade, with relentless defensive pressure and polished attacking play proving the difference.
Outstanding defence in both ends of the court, combined with accurate feeding and strong leads into the circle, kept the Saints in control throughout the match. The side continued to impress after half-time with excellent options from centre passes, smart backup play, strong hands over the ball, and pinpoint vision into the shooting circle to cap off a well-rounded team performance.
St Arnaud Solar: Aleshia Petrie; St Arnaud Physio Centre: Alex Baldwin
St Arnaud put in a determined performance against Birchip in B Grade in a thrilling contest, with the scores remaining close throughout the match.
Defenders Alexa Cameron and Abby Weir were exceptional in the defensive end, working brilliantly together to apply constant pressure and force crucial turnovers.
Their communication and teamwork kept Birchip under pressure and played a major role in keeping the game within reach until the final whistle.
In attack, Immy Amos and Georgia Taylor started strongly, combining well to create scoring opportunities.
Later in the match, Under 17s player Eliza S was introduced into the attacking end and made an immediate impact.
Her connection with goal shooter Georgia Taylor was seamless, with the pair working together to convert important goals and keep St Arnaud in the contest.
The midcourt worked tirelessly throughout the game, driving the ball from defence to attack with speed and determination.
Despite falling just short, St Arnaud displayed great teamwork, resilience and effort in a hard- fought match against Birchip.
DK Build: Abby Weir; Torney’s Fighting Fit: Georgia Taylor; St Arnaud Physio Centre: Alexa Cameron
IT WAS a great game of determination and teamwork in the NetSetGo game with plenty of smiles across the 13 Saints’ Go netballers.
Awards went to Isla H and Emily K
Read More: St Arnaud