GARFIELD Netball Club teams made long trip to Maffra on Saturday and with depleted numbers due to work and family commitments had a tough day against strong opposition, with B grade and 15andunder teams registering wins.
A GRADE
Maffra jumped off to a quick start making Garfield play catchup netball all game.
A determined defence by Heath Mills and Jo Collis and some excellent midcourt work from Brooke Cahill and Kristie Cahill slowly reduced the margin.
Emma Wallace took some strong rebounds and Jackie Collis used her speed to work the goal ring and Helen Collis showed her versatility moving into goal defence.
The team steadied only going down by 12 goals.
Scores: Garfield 38 lost to Maffra 50.
Awards: Helen Collis and Jackie Collis.
B GRADE
Confidence and selfbelief by all players was all that was needed for them to create an upset onegoal win.
Encouraging talk by Marg Bogart through defence helped Sammy Carr and Erin Barclay create many turnovers, while attackers Tarryn Cahill and April D’Arcy passed accurately into the ring.
Goaler Melissa Hill steadied the game down with some great long shots taken under immense pressure.
Di Collis was doubleteamed in the ring, but with sheer determination, was a standout and rewarded with bestoncourt honours.
It was an excellent game with a thrilling finish.
Scores: Garfield 30 d Maffra 29.
Awards: Di Collis.
C GRADE
Garfield had two 17andunder girls in Renae Harvey and Bec Draper step up to the senior level and they displayed great composure and skill.
The team struggled against a strong Maffra attack and defence.
Sally Harper played well through the midcourt, as well as being very encouraging to her teammates, who all displayed a nevergiveup attitude.
Scores: Garfield 14 lost to Maffra 48.
17 AND UNDER
Garfield got off to a good start, but Maffra ran away with the game.
An injury to Renae Wright forced the side to make many changes, but the players adapted and displayed a fourquarter effort.
Scores: Garfield 8 lost to Maffra 31.
Awards: Jody Vugs, Josie Johnston, Beth Bogart, Bec Draper and Renae Harvey.
15 AND UNDER
An excellent game saw Garfield record a welldeserved win.
Kelly McMillan and Beth Bogart played strong games in goals, moving extremely well.
Centrecourt players Brooke Cousin, Jodie Vugs and Josie Johnston moved the ball consistently well down the court throughout the game.
Hayley Wright and Ashlee Burge made many intercepts in defence.
Scores: Garfield 25 d Maffra 20.
13 AND UNDER
The team is making a lot of progress and although its passing let it down, continues to show improvement.
Scores: Garfield 10 lost to Maffra 17.
Awards: Katie O’Dea, Tamara Monson and Kaila Lany.