Drouin Agrade wing attack Stacie Proctor in action for the Hawks.SPECTATORS were treated to highquality netball at Drouin on Saturday, the two major finals contenders meeting in all grades.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:A GRADE
Both teams started strongly but Drouin got on top in the second quarter and led by six goals by halftime. Drouin’s allcourt defence forced Traralgon to turn over possession and goalers Sam East and Kylie Proctor were able to capitalise. Drouin’s defenders Bron Wallace, Nicki Bryce and Linda McLeish played tightly and attacked the ball strongly. Drouin was nine goals ahead going into the final quarter, but Traralgon fought hard in the last quarter to reduce the margin.
Scores: Drouin 43 d Traralgon 36.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:B GRADE
In an exciting encounter, especially in the last quarter, the teams went goalforgoal. Drouin had a strong second quarter, turning a twogoal deficit into a sixgoal lead. Drouin’s defensive pressure all over the court was excellent, Deb Thomas showing her class and sending Drouin back into attack on many occasions. Drouin was steady and patient in attack with Ally Henderson driving strongly to the goal circle. Felicity Pratt played a smart game, combining well with Keira Rees. Drouin lost concentration in the third quarter allowing Traralgon back into the match. Only a goal separated the teams most of the last quarter and Traralgon had the opportunity to win with a long range shot after the siren, but missed.
Scores: Drouin 51 drew with Traralgon 51.
Awards: Deb Thomas and Sharon Rippon Royal Hotel Drouin, Ally Henderson Drouin Gourmet Café.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
Drouin was keen to reverse its losing trend against Traralgon and scores were level after the first quarter, both teams scoring well under pressure. Drouin was leading by five after strong second and third quarters. Lauren Ablett and Millie Marriner applied great pressure to the Traralgon goalers, pouncing on missed attempts at goal and rebounding strongly to send Drouin back into attack. Lyndell Watson communicated well with teammates, controlling the midcourt. Lisa Watson used her baseline drives to perfection and Ashleigh Bryce moved well in front of her opponents. Traralgon fought back strongly in the last quarter to narrow the margin but Drouin maintained composure to score a satisfying win.
Scores: Drouin 30 d Traralgon 27.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:17 AND UNDER
Drouin faced a tough game against a strong defensive side, making it difficult for the goalers to score in the first quarter. With persistence, Drouin was able to stay with Traralgon through the middle of the match, although passing was erratic.
Ebony Dunne worked extremely hard in defence for Drouin, showing great determination. Drouin stepped up in intensity in the final quarter to outscore Traralgon 10 goals to five and record a hardfought victory. Drouin made better choices in attack, rarely wasting any opportunities in the last quarter. It was a fine team effort, showing Drouin deserved second spot on the ladder.
Scores: Drouin 31 d Traralgon 28.
Awards: Ebony Dunne Chumba Hair Salon, Nicole Thomson Abby’s Café.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:15 AND UNDER
The team had a new lineup with Alex Barwick returning from illness, Meg O’Dea missing and injury limiting court time for Karina Proctor. Drouin struggled to score in the first three quarters with Traralgon’s defenders making Drouin work hard for every pass and shot. Katrina Wardle showed her versatility with a steady game in the centre, then moving to goal keeper. Jess Hedley moved to the centre in the last quarter and Drouin was able to increase its scoring rate. Drouin was able to finish strongly, matching Traralgon goalforgoal.
Scores: Drouin 23 lost to Traralgon 31. Award: Katrina Wardle Leading Edge Video.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:13 AND UNDER
In a highstandard match scores were tied at the end of the first and second quarters, threatening to repeat the sides’ roundseven draw. Sam Davis was a focal point for Drouin in the goal circle, moving the ball around the ring to gain good shooting position. Sarah Osbourne played a tight game at goal defence and Freya Lieshout wing defence was causing Traralgon to turn the ball over. However, Traralgon rallied in the third quarter to put on seven goals to three. Drouin fought back in the last quarter but just failed to catch up, Abby Kingi moving into the centre to provide extra drive in the midcourt.
Scores: Drouin 19 lost to Traralgon 21.
Awards: Sam Davis Nick’s Bakehouse.
