NNW UNITED v SWAN HILL
A SIX goal, second quarter turnaround has helped propel Swan Hill to an opening round five goal victory over Nyah-Nyah West United on the weekend.
After an arm wrestle in the opening term, the Swans broke the game open after the first change, outscoring the home side 16 goals to 10, to take a five goal lead into half time.
From there, the Swans were able to keep NNW United at arm’s reach, despite the Demons bringing the margin back to within a goal or two several times throughout the second half, with Swan Hill eventually holding on for a 40-35 victory.
While it was a strong first up performance from the new look Swans, it was equally encouraging for the Demons, with their coach Nola O’Shannassy pleased with her team’s performance post-match.
“We were quick through the midcourt, tight in defence and our goalies were putting on a display in the first half of the game,” O’Shannassy said.
“The girls applied great pressure all over the court, which resulted in some fantastic turnovers.
“We knew we were putting them under the pump, which showed in their player choices.
“It was a close game all the way through and we will be hoping for a different result next time.”
NNW United were well served by young goaler Milla Hovenden, who shot a team high 17 goals, with Maggie and Andi Meney the best for the Swans.
KERANG v LAKE BOGA
A 31 goal haul from returning veteran Katelyn Wright has helped the Blues record a nine-goal win over reigning premiers Lake Boga.
Wright, playing her 200th A grade match for the Blues, was a standout in the 45-36 result, with Lily Wise also stepping up in the absence of regular goal shooter Denise Roberts, according to Kerang coach Chloe Adams.
“We didn’t have Denise who is obviously a huge out for us, but young Lily Wise stepped into shooter and really stood up,” Adams said.
“They’re big shoes to fill and she did a fantastic job.
“Katelyn (Wright) was sensational in goals in her 200th game and also really stepped up to support Lil. She shot beautifully and was super strong in the ring for us.
“We had a few lulls where we let Boga back in and going forward, we really want to work on putting the foot down in those situations to punish teams rather than letting the score get close again, but for round 1, I was just happy to take away the four points.”
Despite the loss, Lake Boga coach Lisa Ryan was content with her new look team’s performance post-match.
“I was really impressed with the young girls who stepped up to the pace and standard of A grade netball and matched it with Kerang,” Ryan said.
“They (Kerang) were impressive at both ends of the court with a very tall defence and shooters and their accuracy was the catalyst for the result.”
MALLEE EAGLES v TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
The MALLEE Eagles confirmed their status as one of the teams to beat in 2025, with a 13-goal win over a determined Tooleybuc-Manangatang at Lalbert on the weekend.
The Eagles led at every change on their way to a 50-37 win, with co-coach Alicia Harvey full of praise post-match for her team’s full court display.
“Overall, I feel we are gelling really well and that’s only going to get stronger as the season progresses,” Harvey said.
“Jemma (Meehan), Nevaeh (Roberts) and Lily (Brennan) are very strong defensively, our goalies are dominant in the circle and our midcourt moves fast and direct.
“We’ve got some small things to work on over the next few trainings, but the foundations are well and truly there, and gelling every week will hopefully only make that stronger.”
Meehan, and Megan Thorneycroft, who shot a game high 33 goals were the best for the Eagles, with defender Laura Grant and young gun Jayda Plant the best for the visitors according to Saints coach Mel Wait.
“Our defence played beautifully. It was just a battle to settle in the attacking end,” Wait said.
“We were just inconsistent and couldn’t string a full 15 minutes together, but Jayda played well and showed how versatile she is playing centre and goal attack, while Laura Grant was very strong leading the defence.”
BALRANALD v WOORINEN
WOORINEN have begun their 2025 season in style, with a dominant 22-goal win over Balranald at Greenham Park on Saturday.
The new look Roos proved no match for the Tigers, who opened the match with a 30 goal to 15 first half, before running out comfortable 60-38 winners.
Tayla Bennett returned for her first match in 12 months, with the goal shooter scoring a game high 41 goals for Woorinen, with goal keeper Rachel McLaughlin and midcourter Ava Crow adjudged the best for the Tigers.
Bec Harvey shot a team high 25 goals for Balranald.
