PAKENHAN Netball Club teams travelled to Devon Meadows on Saturday and came away with a clean sweep – six wins.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:A GRADE
Pakenham needed to pull out all stops in its victory against a physical Devon Meadows side.
The game started well for Pakenham, scoring the first eight of nine goals, before Devon Meadows was able to put together some good passages of play, reducing the deficit to seven goals at quarter time.
The scoring dried up for Pakenham in the second quarter in wet and slippery conditions, and Devon Meadows took advantage of Pakenham’s mistakes, reducing the scoreline to 23-20 at half-time. The third quarter was tight, with neither side able to gain the ascendancy, both scoring 12 goals. Pakenham showed spirit and level heads in the last quarter.
The team praised Kate McCowan (best on court) and Mel Elston for their great four-quarter effort in defence under extreme pressure from both on and off the court.
Michelle Webster and Danielle West also played well at WA and C, Melinda Williamson at GA, shooting a team-high 24 goals from 31 attempts and Cathy Leeves coming into GS at half-time and providing strength in the goal circle.
Scores: Pakenham 49 d Devon Meadows 42.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:B GRADE
Pakenham took a quarter to adjust, scoring only five goals, due to bad passing and bad decision making.
After the quarter-time break the players stepped up, scoring 18 goals with some beautiful passages of play in the second quarter.
All the girls carried on this trend in the second half, shortening their game, talking well and applying pressure to all contests on court in what was some trying conditions.
Scores: Pakenham 49 d Devon Meadows 18.
Best on court: Toni Dart, returning from injury.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
A terrible day of rain and cold winds did not dampen the spirits of Pakenham against Devon Meadows.
The girls set themselves tasks and played with intent. Jess Christie and Mel Tozer in goals were excellent. The defence of Bri D’Agostino, Aleisha Taurua and Hayley Crandell never gave Devon Meadows a chance. Centre court was on top with strong play and turnovers creating the advantage for Pakenham to control the game.
Scores: Pakenham 57 d Devon Meadows 5.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:17 AND UNDER
Saturday was not great conditions for netball, but the girls pulled together as team to battle the conditions and come out with a good win.
But for lapses of concentration throughout parts of the second and third quarters the winning margin would have been bigger.
However, considering Pakenham only had seven players for the day and some girls played out of their normal positions it was a good win.
Nicole Wake and Olivia Hunt won the Pakenham Chocolate Shop award. Grace Waack from the 15-and-Under team was thanked for sitting on the bench.
Scores: Pakenham 28 d Devon Meadows 18.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:15 AND UNDER
Pakenham played a really good team game in difficult conditions.
The brilliant passing into the goal circle from midcourt players Ashleigh Brady and Christie Allan meant the goalers had many opportunities.
Scores: Pakenham 47 d Devon Meadows 6.
Chocolate Shop award: Christie Allan.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:13 AND UNDER
Pakenham produced an excellent team effort on Saturday resulting in a convincing 13-goal win against Devon Meadows.
The girls have improved since their first game together and combinations are working nicely.
Some standouts were Sam Ryan who played one of her best games in defence this season, Kayla Spicer, Lauren Bateman and Nicole Green shot accurately giving the team the lead which was maintained during the whole game with constant pressure from the girls.
Scores: Pakenham 26 d Devon Meadows 13.
Chocolate Shop Award: Sam Ryan.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:70TH BIRTHDAY SUCCESS
Pakenham Lions Netball Club celebrated its 70th birthday on Saturday night with an excellent function in the social rooms.
On display were numerous photos, memorabilia, uniforms throughout the years and the traditional cutting of the cake by one of the 1946 premiership players – Pat Board.
There is an enormous amount of history dating back to pre-war competition and stories by original establishers of the ‘Basket Ball’ club – Norma Jackson and Lorna Anderson were well received and respected.
The committee was congratulated for organising the function and received wonderful feedback from past and present players.
Star editor Garry Howe and the Pakenham Gazette were thanked for their contribution in providing photos for display as well as taking photos at the function.
