DROUIN Hawks Netball Club had a good weekend at Warragul in round four with five wins from six tough games.
A GRADE
Drouin had a great first half, showing a high level of intensity, attacking the ball strongly.
Defenders Bronwyn Wallace and Nikki Bryce combined well to force Warragul into error and were ably assisted by 17andunder player Ally McArthur who played her first full Agrade game this season at wing defence. Her communication with the circle defenders and drive down the court was excellent.
In attack Christie and Kylie Proctor, Amy Fraser were speedy and with Sam East (GS) holding strongly in the ring, Drouin was able to score freely.
Scores Drouin 54 d Warragul 39.
Award winner: Amy Fraser Royal Hotel, Drouin.
B GRADE
Drouin was looking forward to a tough contest against Warragul that had performed well in past encounters.
However, Drouin got on top early with a 16 goal to eight first quarter to set up the win.
Drouin continued to win every quarter, making changes to try different combinations, showing its versatility.
Defenders, Lia Olsen and Deb Thomas shut down their taller opponents in the goal circle and Lia Olsen’s play at goalkeeper was excellent.
Ally Henderson’s work rate at wing attack was top quality. Kristy Piner and Venessa Watson came on at the final break, when all players had their rhythm and performed superbly at the higher level.
Scores Drouin 55 d Warragul 27.
Awards: Lia Olsen – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
C GRADE
This was a great test for Drouin that started on fire in the first half, opening up a 13goal lead by half time.
Millie Marriner was outstanding in defence for Drouin with her long reach causing havoc for the Warragul goalers. This was significantly aided by all seven players who remained accountable for their own opponents, forcing Warragul into errors.
Ashleigh Bryce (WA) attacked the ball strongly and her drive onto the ring was superb.
Unfortunately, Drouin fell in a hole in the third quarter, but to its credit came back in the last quarter to finish the match strongly against quality opposition.
Scores Drouin 38 d Warragul 27.
Awards: Millie Marriner – Drouin Gourmet Cafe.
17 AND UNDER
The game was expected to be a high quality affair and it proved to be just that with exceptional goaling from both sides and tight defending throughout.
The first half was very tight with the defenders turning the ball over often to create extra opportunities for the goalers.
Warragul gained the ascendancy in the third quarter, but the endeavour of the Drouin girls remained at 100 per cent.
The team is hoping Stacie Proctor will recover quickly from injury.
Scores: Drouin 32 lost to Warragul 49.
Awards: Jessie Ablett – Chumba Hair Salon; Larissa Smethurst – Abby’s Cafe.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin played a good, strong steady game with all the girls performing to a high standard.
Karina Proctor and Courtney Jolly were on fire in the goal ring, making the most of their opportunities. Jessie Hedley and Courtney Addison were relentless in defence playing front position strongly, intercepting many Warragul attacks.
Drouin’s midcourt was strong and steady, clearing space well to improve the flow of the ball from defence to attack.
Scores: Drouin 33 d Warragul 21.
Award: Karina Proctor – Leading Edge Video.
13 AND UNDER
Drouin bounced back from defeat against Leongatha and played well to score a good win.
All girls lifted when it counted to win by three goals.
Drouin was very quick in attack with Jess Wyatt (GA) making the most of her opportunities to goal accurately.
Drouin tightened its defence in the second half with Alice Goodwin (GK) leading the way. She rebounded strongly and intercepted balls outside the goal ring to continually send Drouin back into attack.
Scores Drouin 19 d Warragul 16.
Awards: Alice Goodwin – Nick’s Bakehouse.
