Drouin’s Kylie Proctor in action for the Hawks this season.DROUIN Netball Club teams returned to the court after a threeweek break with mixed results against Sale on Saturday.
It took the honours in all three senior matches, but both Sale junior teams were too strong.
A GRADE
Drouin got off to a solid start and never looked back, overpowering Sale with speed and skill.
With Drouin still missing key defender Sophie Cook, youngsters Nicki Bryce and Ally McArthur stepped up again, thriving on the challenge.
Drouin took the opportunity to bring on fresh legs at half time.
Keira Rees took up the goalshooter position for the first time in A grade and showed her versatility moving to goalkeeper in the final quarter.
The last quarter was the most entertaining with some positional switches, including the move of Ally McArthur to goalshooter.
Scores: Drouin 74 d Sale 35.
Award winners: Nikki Bryce – Trim, Taut & Terrific; Pip Harrison Royal Hotel; Ally McArthur – Duo In Hair.
B GRADE
With two of the top premiership contenders meeting, Drouin looked forward to a tight contest.
The detrimental effects of the threeweek break were evident in the first quarter with Drouin’s passing lacking precision.
Sale didn’t take long to hit its target in goals and held an 11 goal to six lead at the first break.
Drouin brought on extra height into the goal circle in the second quarter, helping it to improve its scoring rate.
At half time scores were level and from that point, there was no more than four goals separating the teams.
In a thrilling second half, Drouin had to counter a fourgoal deficit from the start of the final quarter to score a narrow win.
With only seconds to go and Sale in attack, Lia Olsen (GK) pulled in a magnificent intercept to secure the game for Drouin.
It was a top team effort from all ten girls, cementing them on the top of the ladder.
Scores: Drouin 38 d Sale 37.
Award winners: Cheryl Kos – Trim, Taut & Terrific; Lia Olsen – Royal Hotel.
C GRADE
It took Drouin a quarter to get accustomed to match play again after the break.
After a close first quarter, Drouin increased its intensity and consistency to overpower the opposition.
Drouin’s goalers, Bronwyn Edwards (GA) and Tania Lissenden (GS) were a formidable combination with height, mobility and accuracy.
In defence, Nat Birt (GK) and Millie Westhead (GD) were excellent in defence, only allowing their opposition to score six goals in three quarters.
They were well supported by Lisa and Lyndel Watson, Rosa Persico and Jo Dylan in the midcourt who frequently cut off the ball in the middle, due to the great defensive pressure of the whole team.
Drouin was more patient in attack a promising sign with finals approaching.
Scores: Drouin 53 d Sale 14.
Award winners: Tanya Lissenden – Royal Hotel; Bronwyn Edwards – Trim, Taut and Terrific; Lyndel Watson – Annflora florist.
17 AND UNDER
This was going to be a very tight contest between two genuine finals’ contenders.
Drouin was looking to inflict Sale’s first defeat of the season, but this wasn’t to be with a lacklustre start proving costly.
The ninegoal deficit at quarter time proved to be a margin Drouin struggled to peg back.
To Drouin’s credit, it did not allow Sale to run away with the game and fought back hard to make an even contest for the next three quarters.
The game gave Drouin confidence, knowing it can match it with the ladder leaders.
Jodie Proctor was excellent in goals, moving the ball in and around the ring superbly. Lauren Ablett and Ebony Dunne played well in defence, persevering under pressure.
Scores: Drouin 22 lost to Sale 34.
Award winners: Jodie Proctor – Trim, Taut & Terrific.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin needed to be at the top of its game against ladder leaders Sale and started well with the scores nine goals to seven in Sale’s favour at the first break.
Unfortunately Drouin couldn’t maintain its intensity or concentration, allowing Sale to quickly gather momentum.
Drouin had little answer to Sale’s surge and struggled to match its strength and accuracy for the remainder of the game.
Katrina Wardle played a consistent game in centre, her defensive game very strong.
Stephanie O’Dea was moved into defence and combined well with Alisha Bills (GK) against tough opposition.
Drouin will now need to rebuild its form and confidence over the next few weeks.
Scores: Drouin 25 lost to Sale 42.
Award: Katrina Wardle Warragul Leisure Centre.
13 AND UNDER
There was no game as Sale was unable to field a team.
