Warragul’s Gemma Goss in action for the Gulls during the season.DROUIN Hawks Netball Club finished the homeandaway season on a high at the weekend, winning all matches against Leongatha.
All six Drouin netball sides will now compete in the finals for the third consecutive season.
Drouin juniors start the club’s finals campaign with the 17andunder team at Maffra on Saturday.
The 13andunder and 15andunder teams will play on Sunday in front of a home crowd, while the three senior teams, all finishing on top, wait until the following week.
A GRADE
Drouin was looking to avenge its roundnine defeat and only loss of the season, providing plenty of motivation for the Hawks.
Drouin showed its determination early, opening up an eightgoal lead by the first break.
Even though Drouin won the second quarter, the players had a slight lapse in concentration, allowing Leongatha a few more opportunities at goal.
Keen to make amends, Drouin made a few changes that seemed to improve the balance of the side, allowing it to outscore Leongatha 20 goals to six.
Amy Fraser moved to wing attack, Christie Proctor to the centre, both combining superbly with goalers Kylie Proctor and Wendy Hodson who finished truly.
Sophie Cook was forced from the court with another ankle injury, giving youngster Ally McArthur an opportunity at goalkeeper.
She and fellow 17andunder teammate, Nicki Bryce were excellent in defence in the second half against talented opposition.
Deb Thomas (WD) got plenty of deflections and intercepts, pleasing the crowd with her quick reflexes.
Drouin will take on the winner of Traralgon and Leongatha in a fortnight.
Scores: Drouin 64 d Leongatha 30.
Award winners: Deb Thomas – Trim, Taut and Terrific; Amy Fraser Drouin Amcal Chemist; Kylie Proctor – Royal Hotel.
B GRADE
Drouin had a close match against Leongatha in round nine, winning narrowly, so was looking forward to some strong competition in preparation for finals.
With Drouin at full strength, it quickly gained the ascendancy, never allowing Leongatha into the game.
Keira Rees (GS) was a focal point in goals, utilising her height effectively.
With precision feeding from Cheryl Kos (WA), Tania McLeish (C) and Felicity Pratt (GA), Keira was unstoppable.
In defence, Lia Olsen (GK) and Karen Piner (GD) were outstanding, rebounding strongly and driving Drouin back into attack.
They were well supported by Bec Burgmann and Ally Henderson who did some great work in Drouin’s transition play.
Drouin made very few errors and placed a significant gap between themselves and Leongatha who are also finalists.
Scores: Drouin 60 d Leongatha 26.
Award winners: Lia Olsen – Royal Hotel; Cheryl Kos – Trim, Taut and Terrific; Keira Rees – Drouin Guardian Pharmacy.
C GRADE
Drouin got off to a strong start and was able to maintain that intensity for the whole game.
Lisa Jensz played an excellent game in wing attack, leading strongly and passing well.
Lyndel Watson remained focused in the centre, linking well with her defenders and goalers.
Millie Westhead (GD) showed that her reach does not only extend aerially, deflecting numerous lowbounce passes, an excellent effort considering her height.
Head coach Cheryl Kos asked the team to work on its timing and this greatly improved, paying dividends for a convincing win to end the homeandaway season.
Drouin will have a break this week, finishing as ladder leaders.
Scores: Drouin 52 d Leongatha 20.
17 AND UNDER
Drouin turned the tables from round nine with a hardfought win against a strong and physical Leongatha side.
Although the win cemented Drouin in third position on the ladder, too often good defensive work that created turnovers was again turned over through poor disposal.
It will need to improve in that area to threaten ladder leaders Sale.
Drouin, having secured the second chance, make the journey to Maffra this Saturday to take on archrivals Warragul.
Scores Drouin 28 d Leongatha 24.
15 AND UNDER
With Drouin assured of a finals’ berth, it still expected a tough match from Leongatha, placed sixth on the ladder.
For the second week, Drouin was under pressure throughout the match, with the result going down to the wire.
Due to the tension and pressure, there were many errors from both teams, Drouin often tending to panic.
Karina Proctor and Brittany Jolly goaled superbly for Drouin under pressure and Katrina Wardle played a great game when moved into the centre.
In defence, Stephanie O’Dea, Stephanie Rees and Alisha Bills created lots of turnovers.
However, Drouin too often relinquished possession with poor passing especially in the first half.
Drouin played a better third quarter to lead by three at the final break.
However, Leongatha fought back and reduced the margin to just one goal, but Drouin was composed enough to hold on to the lead and victory.
Scores: Drouin 24 d Leongatha 23.
Award winner: Karina Proctor Warragul Leisure Centre.
13 AND UNDER
No game was played and Leongatha forfeited to Drouin.
