IN round 14 against Sale Drouin’s junior netballers showed a improvement, challenging strongly in all three grades. The club came away with four wins in all.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:A GRADE
Drouin was without Gippsland Storm players Christie Proctor and Linda McLeish but welcomed back Amy Fraser from overseas and Nicki Bryce from illness. Drouin never allowed Sale to gain momentum. Kylie Proctor at goal attack was on fire with long bombs delighting the crowd. Her combination with Sam East at goal shooter was beginning to blossom again. Goalkeeper Bronwyn Wallace gave her opponent little freedom.
Scores: Drouin 53 d Sale 34.
Awards: Royal Hotel, Drouin Amy Fraser.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:B GRADE
Top side Drouin was looking forward to a tough contest against thirdplaced Sale. Drouin exceeded expectations with a 164 first quarter, led by an outstanding defensive effort from Lia Olsen, Deb Thomas and Kelly Bethune. After a slight hiccup in the second quarter, Drouin regained composure and finished in style.
Scores: Drouin 57 d Sale 30.
Awards: Royal Hotel Lia Olsen and Deb Thomas.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
Drouin started well, with goalers Lisa Watson and Ashleigh Bryce capitalising on their early opportunities at goal. Sale fought back strongly in the second quarter to narrow the margin to just three goals at halftime. Drouin stepped up defensive intensity in the second half with Millie Marriner and Lauren Ablett applying more pressure, causing Sale to turn over possession. The team wished Rosa Persico a speedy recovery from an ankle injury.
Scores: Drouin 35 d Sale 25.
Awards: Royal Hotel Lisa Watson.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:17 AND UNDER
This was another highquality game by two of the top sides. Drouin was able to maintain a high scoring rate, keeping the pressure on Sale throughout. Both the attack and defence for Drouin played well with a variety of combinations settling quickly and making the most of the rare opportunities.
Scores: Sale 41 d Drouin 40.
Awards: Chumba Hair Salon Ashley Murray, Abby’s Café Caitlin Bills.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:15 AND UNDER
Drouin showed a vast improvement over the last meeting with Sale, spearheaded in attack by Stephanie Rees and Courtney Jolly. They were fed well by Karina Proctor and Katrina Wardle. Defensively, Drouin did an outstanding job and Jessie Hedley was instrumental.
Scores: Drouin 26 d Sale 24.
Award: Leading Edge Video Stephanie Rees.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:13 AND UNDER
Despite the final result, this was a positive effort by Drouin, with team and players showing enormous development. Drouin’s young team had to counter the height and experience of the top side. Drouin’s Sarah Osbourne was tight and strong in defence, while Jess Wyatt made the most of her opportunities at goal and worked hard with Elly Derrick to drive the ball into attack.
Scores: Sale 30 d Drouin 18.
Awards: Nick’s Bakehouse Sarah Osbourne.