DROUIN Hawks Netball Club continued its matchwinning form with six wins in round nine at Maffra on Saturday.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz: A GRADE
Drouin was too strong for Maffra that fought hard all game.
Drouin’s inclusions from B Grade, Jodie Proctor (WA) and Lia Olsen (GK) once again stepped up to the challenge of A Grade in style.
Defenders, Bronwyn Wallace, Nicki Bryce and Lia Olsen were dynamite in defence, causing many turnovers.
In attack, Drouin had trouble capitalising with the wind and the sun played havoc with the goaler’s vision.
With Drouin well in control of the match, it utilised the final quarter to experiment with some new combinations. Kylie Proctor enjoyed the freedom in the centre, while sister Christie felt like a caged lion at goalshooter.
Drouin will be looking to improve on its performance this week.
Scores: Drouin 48 d Maffra 27.
Award winners: Lia Olsen – Royal Hotel, Drouin; Nicki Bryce – Drouin Amcal Pharmacy; Bronwyn Wallace – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz: B GRADE
Maffra forced Drouin to work harder than expected and it struggled to maintain focus for the full four quarters.
Drouin had a great start, opening up with a 19 goal to five first quarter and dominating all over the court.
However, it lost concentration, particularly in the third quarter, winning it by just one goal.
With Lia Olsen promoted this week, Kristy Piner played goalkeeper, giving many centimetres to her very tall opponent. She applied great pressure and was often only fingertips from intercepting.
In the final quarter she was moved into goal attack with Keira Rees moving to goalkeeper.
Drouin regained its focus with the new combination and scored 17 goals to five to finish the game on a better note.
Kristy Piner shot at 90 per cent accuracy showing her versatility and talent.
Scores: Drouin 62 d Maffra 29.
Award winner: Kristy Piner.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
Drouin had a very sluggish start and was under the pump after the first quarter, down by four goals.
However, it got its game together in the middle of the match to gain a 14goal lead by the start of the final quarter.
Lyndell Watson added plenty of drive at wing attack and although goaling was difficult with the sun and wind, Ashleigh Bryce (GA) made great position for her teammates, showing a great deal of potential despite her inexperience in goals.
In defence, Millie Marriner, Lauren Ablett and Rosa Persico kept the pressure on. Lauren Ablett had made significant improvements to her game and is rising to the challenge of shutting down the opposition goal attack each week.
Drouin was disappointed with their final quarter, but it will take time to adjust to its new lineup.
Scores: Drouin 30 d Maffra 24.
Awards: Lauren Ablett Royal Hotel Drouin.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:17 AND UNDER
Drouin was down on numbers, but full of enthusiasm that helped it score a comfortable win.
Drouin was able to utilise the services of 15andunder players Karina Proctor and Courtney Addison for the first time this season.
Karina played wing defence for the first half, doing an excellent job and enjoying the challenge of the higherquality netball.
Courtney Addison had an impact on the game at goalkeeper, restricting the opposition to just four goals after halftime.
Brittany Jolly was consistent at goalshooter.
Scores: Drouin 57 d Maffra 11.
Awards: Courtney Addison – Abby’s Cafe; Karina Proctor – Abby’s Cafe.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:15 AND UNDER
This was tipped as match of the day between fourth and fifth on the ladder and it lived up to expectations with little separating the teams for most of the match.
Drouin was down slightly at the first break, but fought back to gain a narrow lead by halftime.
It continued to rotate players throughout the match that helped secure the win in the second half.
Meg O’Dea moved to goal attack in the third quarter did an excellent job. Karina Proctor came back on to the court in the final quarter at goalshooter to steady the ship.
Drouin’s defenders had to work hard against two tall and strong goalers. Stephanie Rees matched up well against them with her extra height, keeping the pressure on.
Katrina Wardle was dominant in the centre creating lots of turnovers to send Drouin back into attack.
With the win, Drouin cemented its position in the five to keep the pressure on thirdplaced Traralgon.
Scores: Drouin 31 d Maffra 26.
Award: Katrina Wardle Leading Edge Video.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:13 AND UNDER
Drouin was far too strong for a valiant Maffra team.
One of Drouin’s young guns, Abbey Kingi was a shining light, shooting accurately and positioning herself to advantage in the goal circle.
Drouin’s allcourt defence was a significant factor in creating many shooting opportunities and its circle defenders did an excellent job to restrict the opposition.
Coach Kylie Proctor said she was very happy with the team’s progress and team spirit.
Scores: Drouin 33 d Maffra 6.
Awards: Abbey Kingi Nick’s Bakehouse.
