DROUIN Hawks Netball Club’s senior teams visited Sale at the weekend for round five and after some tough games remain undefeated.
Agrade led the way with a strong second half for a 30goal win.
A GRADE
It was a tight contest until halftime with the Sale goalers capitalising on Drouin’s errors with some accurate shooting. With scores at 31 to 29 in Drouin’s favour at half time, the players knew they would need to lift their defensive intensity to win.
Sam East (GS) and Kylie Proctor (GA) went on a scoring spree in the second half to add another 42 goals to the total.
Jodie Proctor (WA) came on at halftime after a tough game in B grade and drove strongly onto the ring.
In defence, Lia Olsen (GK) played a magnificent second half to turn the ball over for Drouin, being a significant influence on the team’s secondhalf blitz.
Scores Drouin 73 d Sale 43.
Award winner: Sam East – Royal Hotel, Drouin.
B GRADE
Drouin got on top of Sale early with a 14 goal to nine first quarter then followed it up with a strong second quarter to extend its lead to nine at halftime.
Keira Rees played her best game of the season, goaling accurately throughout the game.
Sale got back into the game in the third quarter with the Drouin attackers having to play patiently and work hard to find clear space.
Drouin’s defenders, Lia Olsen (GK) and Kristy Piner (GD) in her first Bgrade game of the season, worked hard to gain deflections and intercepts against the tall and accurate Sale goalers.
Drouin maintained its composure and went on to score a good win.
Scores: Drouin 39 d Sale 31.
Awards: Keira Rees – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
C GRADE
Drouin took the first quarter to settle into its new lineup with 17andunder player Kelly Hedley joining the team at goalshooter and adapting well to senior netball.
Drouin’s defensive work was excellent with Lauren Ablett (GD) reading the play like a veteran and intercepting on many occasions to send Drouin back into attack.
Ashleigh Bryce (WA) dominated in attack, strong at centre passes, displaying excellent passing skills and great defensive work as well.
Scores: Drouin 51 d Sale 24.
Awards: Lauren Ablett – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
17 AND UNDER
Drouin suffered its second defeat against a talented Sale side.
However, poor passing and lack of attack on the ball made the game more onesided than the positions on the ladder indicated.
Drouin lifted in the last quarter to peg back a few goals and win the quarter, but it was too little too late.
Larissa Smethurst was strong in defence, despite giving away centimetres to her opponent.
Scores: Drouin 19 lost to Sale 30.
Awards: Larissa Smethurst – Chumba Hair Salon; Ebony Dunne – Abby’s Cafe.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin was outplayed by a tall and talented Sale team, suffering its first defeat of the season.
Drouin didn’t play to its usual high standard with a lot of wayward passes, such was the pressure of the match.
Defenders, Imogen Sceney, Jessie Hedley and Stephanie Rees fought valiantly, but found it hard to limit Sale’s scoring power.
Scores: Drouin 26 lost to Sale 43.
Award: Imogen Sceney – Leading Edge Video.
13 AND UNDER
Drouin struggled to counter the height and experience of the accomplished Sale unit and tried hard until the final whistle.
Alice Goodwin (GK) played a great defensive game on a taller opponent, showing great potential.
Mel Piner played a good steady game in the centre, driving hard in attack.
Scores Drouin 12 lost to Sale 41.
Awards: Mel Piner – Nick’s Bakehouse.
