DROUIN Netball Club faced its toughest opposition so far this season in Traralgon and came thorough with flying colours, remaining undefeated in both A and Bgrade.
A GRADE
Drouin played a controlled first half, managing to gain a sixgoal lead by half time.
Drouin made good choices in attack, varying its moves and despite tough opposition, was able to maintain a high scoring rate.
Kylie Proctor (GA) goaled beautifully from long range and Sam East (GS) was consistent and calm for Drouin in the goal circle.
Drouin’s defenders, Nicki Bryce, Linda McLeish and Ally McArthur, were tight and strong against their accurate opponents.
In the midcourt, Drouin was able to match the speed of Traralgon, making the game very quick and skilful for the spectators who braved the bitterly cold conditions.
In the third quarter, Drouin allowed Traralgon back into the match by poor passing options and erratic play and had to fight hard in the last quarter to regain the lead.
Scores: Drouin 46 d Traralgon 43.
Awards: Kylie Proctor, Royal Hotel Drouin; Christie Proctor, Drouin Amcal Pharmacy.
B GRADE
With both teams previously undefeated and Traralgon hungry for revenge from last year’s grand final, Drouin knew it was in for a close contest.
Drouin started well and converted on the scoreboard to hold a 15goal lead.
The Traralgon goalers had their eye in by the second quarter, helping it to hit back to gain a threegoal lead at halftime.
Drouin brought on fresh legs in the second half to assist it to maintain its intensity and reduced the margin to two goals at the last break.
Drouin handled the pressure of the final quarter better to score a fivegoal win.
Scores: Drouin 57 d Traralgon 52.
C GRADE
This was a match between first and second on the ladder with both teams undefeated and grand finalists from 2005.
Traralgon held the edge at every break, but Drouin finally got its game together to win the final quarter and show that it will be tough opposition next time these two teams meet.
Drouin’s defenders Millie Marriner and Lauren Ablett worked tirelessly against strong and accurate goalers.
Promising junior Kelly Hedley, came on at halftime in a tight contest and did a great job under pressure. Lisa Watson goaled well for Drouin, despite limited match practice.
Scores: Drouin 29 lost to Traralgon 32.
Awards: Lauren Ablett, Drouin Amcal Pharmacy; Lisa Watson, Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
17 AND UNDER
Drouin won on forfeit over Traralgon, but played out the match to give players a game.
Drouin welcomed back Stacie Proctor from injury and the team showed some great passages of play with its defence excellent.
Alesha Bills played a great game at wing defence applying plenty of defensive pressure. However, Drouin let itself down with some poor choices in passing options in attack.
Awards: Ally McArthur, Chumba Hair Salon; Alesha Bills, Abby’s Cafe.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin faced tough opposition against Traralgon and succumbed to the pressure in a tight match.
Goalers Karina Proctor and Courtney Jolly made the most of their few opportunities at goal, shooting accurately.
Drouin’s attack was a little crowded at times, however it did show some glimpses of brilliance.
Meggan O’Dea (WD) did a great job shutting in down her opponent, but Drouin’s day got worse with a wrist injury to Jess Hedley.
Scores: Drouin 27 lost to Traralgon 35.
Award: Karina Proctor, Leading Edge Video.
13 AND UNDER
This was a highstandard match between two teams that should both figure in the finals.
In a highscoring affair, Jess Wyatt was dominant in goals and Elly Derrick (WA) drove well and fed the goalers with precision.
Mel Piner was strong at wing defence and Drouin’s defenders did a great job outrebounding their taller opponents.
With Drouin down at threequarter time, there were some promising signs with Jess Wyatt the hero of the match, shooting the goal to draw the game on the siren.
Scores: Drouin 25 drew Traralgon 25.
Award: Jess Wyatt, Nick’s Bakehouse.
Drouin will now have a week’s rest.
