By Blake Metcalf-Holt
BACK to (mostly) steady conditions across netball competitions at the weekend. Much the same as what played out on the football field, results were almost exclusively one-sided, even despite the weekend’s showcase weather wise. Picking up their first four points after a drawn opening contest, Morwell did what was needed against Sale in Round 2.
The Tigers managed in the end, 51 to 38 at Sale Oval, despite some fight from the Magpies. Scores were even at the first break, before Morwell broke the game open with an eight-goal edge in the second quarter to create enough of a cushion to see out the victory. Isabella Bettridge dominated at the post for the Tigers with a game-high 32 goals.
In her 300th A Grade match, Claire Marks produced a best-on-court performance, supporting Bettridge’s efforts with 19 goals herself. Defensive staple Anna Solomon and midcourt star Chloe Radford rounded out Morwell’s top performers. Tash Bedggood, Ashleigh Keefe, and Anabelle Taylor were named as Sale’s best players, while Eve Sabell and Kate Van der Voort split goalscoring for the Magpies with 19 apiece.
The Tigers previously drew against Wonthaggi in Round 1 and now ready for a home bout on Sunday against a building Bairnsdale.
MOE handled business against Maffra, winning 61-17. Playing their first home match out of Gaskin Park, Churchill, while redevelopments continue at Ted Summerton Reserve, the venue didn’t matter for the Lions. The team in maroon and blue could have started driving to Maffra, arrived at halftime, and still would have won comfortably against the Eagles. A 32-7 opening started it off for Moe, which went even bigger due to an 11-goal buffer in the third quarter.The Lions introduced four new faces in the resounding win, with Caitlin Demczuk, Holly Morris, and Danielle Davis arriving up from B Grade. The final new addition was Elleanor Bird, filling in duties at shooter, and poured in 55 goals in her debut for Moe.
Bird has played professional netball in New Zealand’s premier competition, recently winning the ANZ Premiership Grand Final with Mainland Tactix over Northern Mystics. She’s also played in the English Netball Super League for Leeds Rhinos in 2023.
Premiership players Macy Gardiner, Jordan Pyle, and playing coach Alex Moody were the best for Moe.
Jayde Parsons, Rachel Weatherley and Elly Weatherley performed well for Maffra. INTO a 0-2 hole to begin the season, Traralgon came up against a tough opponent in Drouin.
Playing against a premiership hopeful, on their home deck at Drouin Recreation Reserve no less, the Maroons were made to work all day. Star Hawks recruit Mwai Kumwenda Mbwana produced a 33-goal performance, supported by veteran Stacie Gardiner with 15.
Ebony Mumford and Lucy McKellar were also noted for their play. The young Traralgon outfit again showed signs, and should be applauded for not getting predictably blown out of the water by a potential grand final side.
Emma White added 27 goals for the Maroons, while Montanna Styles, Kasey Guttrridge, and Hannah Smith (10) played best. Other results included Bairnsdale defeating Leongatha, 46-29 at Bairnsdale City Oval, while Wonthaggi took down Warragul, 57-36 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
Photo: Andrew Day
