PAKENHAM Netball Club’s A-grade team cruised to a comfortable 42-goal victory against bottom side Hampton Park on Saturday.
Pakenham started well, with Cathy Leeves providing a strong target at GS, shooting 12 goals before her first miss and Melinda Williamson providing great support at GA with eight goals from 10 attempts to give Pakenham a commanding 21-11 lead at quarter time.
Pakenham maintained its control of the contests and if not for lapses of concentration may have enjoyed a greater lead than the 17 goals at half time.
The introduction of Rachel Priestly provided Hampton Park with additional headaches in the third quarter, but with Pakenham only converting 15 of their 23 attempts, the scoreline was a little flattering at the last interval.
The introduction of Cathy Leeves back into GA in the last quarter gave Pakenham a great height advantage and on the back of 17 goals from Leeves and nine goals from Rachel Priestly, Pakenham was able to finish off the game with 26 goals in the last quarter.
A great team effort by all 10 players, the only downside being the lowly 73 per cent scoring from 108 attempts.
Kate McCowan was wished good luck in representing the MPNFL in interleague this week.
Scores: Pakenham 79 d Hampton Park 37.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:B GRADE
On a windy day at Hampton Park on Saturday the girls had a steady start to their game which continued on for most of the match.
Great turnovers in the first half through the midcourt and in defence saw solid feeding into the goal ring and confident shooting by both Pakenham goalers.
Fresh legs in the second half provided great defensive pressure and continued talk all over the court with Pakenham going on to win.
Scores: Pakenham 53 d Hampton Park 20.
Best on court – Pakenham: Sarah Andrews – Great Australian Bakery award.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
A great effort from all the girls with pressure all over the court gave Pakenham the edge to display great skills against Hampton Park.
Jess Christie, in goals, worked hard and at times was under pressure, but able to maintain composure and shoot with consistency.
Sophie Tracey up from 17 and unders proved a valuable goalkeeper. Her ability to read the play ensured turnovers.
Pakenham’s full court play was solid with intensity and determination to get a good win and percentage.
Scores: Pakenham 44 d Hampton Park 13.
Best on court – Pakenham: Sophie Tracey and Jess Christie.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:15 AND UNDER
Taking on Hampton Park in wet and cold conditions, the girls put together four consistent quarters to bring home a win of 30 to 22.
Courtney Egerton showed strong defect effort and won the Chocolate Shop award.
Scores: Pakenham 30 d Hampton Park 22.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:13 AND UNDER
Pakenham played an excellent game with a strong first quarter allowing the girls to take the lead at the first break.
The scoreline was even by half-time, but with Hampton Park’s intercepts and accurate shooting they took a three-goal lead after the third quarter which was enough to win the match with the last quarter being even.
Lauren Bateman played a strong four quarters in WA feeding the ball into the goalers nicely and Jess Cox also played a great game in midcourt, while Elise Russell played a well in defence.
Scores: Hampton Park 23 d Pakenham 20.
Vixon’s Award – Lauren Bateman and Pakenham Chocolate Shop Award – Jess Cox.
