DROUIN Hawks Netball Club continued its season in style with all six sides enjoying victory in round two on Saturday against a very determined Morwell.
A GRADE
Drouin was expecting a tough match with Morwell showing improvement from last season to win the preseason cup.
Morwell tried everything to unsettle the young Drouin team, but to no avail.
Drouin’s defenders, Linda McLeish and Nikki Bryce gained many turnovers, cutting off Morwell’s attack before reaching the goal circle.
The midcourt of Amy Fraser, Christie Proctor and Bronwyn Wallace moved the ball swiftly and sweetly into attack and their defensive work created intense pressure for Morwell’s midcourt, often causing errors.
Drouin’s goalers worked hard all day against tough opponents.
In the last quarter, Drouin youngsters Ally McArthur and Stacie Proctor enjoyed their opportunity to take to the court, playing well.
Score: Drouin 57 d Morwell 30.
Awards: Nikki Bryce – Logan’s Cafe Warragul
B GRADE
Drouin set up the win with an excellent 21goaltosix first quarter and then used the match to try a few different combinations that all worked well.
Lia Olsen’s defensive work was excellent and Kelly Bethune kept her opponent goalless in the last quarter. Felicity Pratt’s driving and work in and around the ring was rewarded on the scoreboard.
Drouin was pleased to better its 72goal effort from the previous week.
Score Drouin 76 d Morwell 18.
Awards: Lia Olsen – Drouin Gourmet Cafe; Felicity Pratt – Drouin Amcal Chemist.
C GRADE
Drouin opened with a powerful 15goaltoone first quarter. Its domination was led by Venessa Watson (WD) who picked off balls regularly, driving Drouin back into attack.
In attack, Drouin’s goalers tried some changes with Kristy Piner enjoying the space to move at goal attack.
Drouin’s training focus of oneonone paid off with the defensive effort from all players outstanding.
Drouin plays Leongatha next game.
Scores: Drouin 44 d Morwell 8.
Awards: Venessa Watson Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
17 AND UNDER
Drouin played unrelenting netball, despite the result never being in doubt.
The first half saw the goalers go on a scoring spree, capitalising on the many opportunities created by turnovers from the defenders.
In the second half, the girls played in unfamiliar positions but were still able to score at a steady rate with all players maintaining their high intensity.
Kelly Hedley applied great defensive pressure at goal defence and Jessie Ablett and Ally McArthur showed excellent goaling skills.
Scores: Drouin 57 d Morwell 11.
Awards: Kelly Hedley – Chumba Hair Salon; Ashley Murray – Abby’s Cafe.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin was kept in the game in the first half by strong defensive work from Jessie Hedley (GD), Courtney Addison (GK) and Imogen Sceney (C).
Drouin had great flow down the court with all playing in front and providing the goalers with many opportunities, but struggled to capitalise in the goal ring due to Morwell’s tall defenders.
With Drouin holding a narrow eightgoaltofive lead, the players knew they were capable of lifting and did so in the second half.
With more attacking play by Katrina Wardle (WA), feeding the goalers well and Courtney Jolly playing strongly in goal shooter, Drouin quickly asserted its authority on the match.
Karina Proctor also shot some great long bombs.
Drouin was pleased with its effort in the second half to turn the game around.
Score Drouin 22 d Morwell 8.
Awards: Jessie Hedley.
13 AND UNDER
Drouin played a great defensive game with each player being accountable for their own opponent.
Brittany Dore (GD) was instrumental in creating many turnovers and drove the ball into attack well and Taylor Beck (WD) applied great pressure causing errors from the Morwell attackers.
In attack, there was some great shooting and work in and around the ring by Sam Davis, Abbey Kingi and Jessie Wyatt.
Elly Derrick was quick at wing attack and Mel Piner (WA) drove well and was the first option for most of Drouin’s centre passes and Freya Lieshout (C) fed the ball into the goalers accurately.
Score Drouin 24 d Morwell 8.
Awards: Brittany Dore and Freya Lieshout.
