Match Report Round 1, 21 April 2021
In perfect North East, autumn weather, the WNA commenced their junior season on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Excited players, bright colours, and crowds of supporters, parents, grandparents and friends were the order of the day. Welcomed by president Deb Ravida and vice president Tammy Smith, teams were anxious to get games underway.
As expected newer combinations took time to get their game plan operating, but matches were determinedly fought out and enjoyed by all players and spectators.
In Section 1 Greta Guns, showed their experience against the newly formed Nth Wang Hawks, with outstanding contributions from Shivonne Watson in the centre and wing attack, Abby Charleston. Much closer was the Sadida, Intensity match, with both sides producing good passages of netball. Players to come under notice were Sadida’s Goal attack, Gemma Enever and Tayla Matherson-Gray, while Intensity’s stars were Breeanna O’Donough in attack and Paris Woods in defense.
In Section 2, Bambenaj and Allsorts had a close tussle, with Ella Thomas and Laura Beattie, showing early form.
Section 3 game between Caution and Des & Troy, was very one sided, but to their credit Caution never stopped trying. Gemma McDonald in goal keeper, and goal attack, Isabel Renner were very impressive for the winners. Emanon, ably led by Emaline Howard, Caitlyn Twomey and Grace O’Brien defeated Exterminators, who were best served by Michaela Trethowan.
In Section 4, Chunk-a-Dunk, with goal shooters, Rebecca Allen and Jessica Hunter, in fine form were easy winners against Starburst, whose best players were Abbey Snowdon and Anna Wallis. Similarly, Phoenix proved too strong for Smurfs, although goal defense, Issy Lacker and goal attack Maegen O’Halloran tried valiantly throughout the match.
Section 5 youngsters, Blaze and One Direction, played at an amazing level for their first real taste of competition. Opposing centres Anna Martin and Maddie Lynch, whose match was described as a screamer, battled doggedly, while Jayde Elliott shone in defense for the victors and Breanna Antonello who shot accurately for Blaze. The Dominators, Moyhu Madness, match was a tight affair with the lead changing several times. Moyhu finally took the match by 3 goals, served well by Maison Thwaites at goal attack, and Keely Tua at centre. Goal defense Ellie Laffy and wing attack, Amy Ashton were great contributors for Dominators.
The youngest players, in Section 6 acquitted themselves well, at their first game, and showing composure beyond their years. Sugarballs defeated Wicked Wildcats in a good display of beginner netball. Their players noticed were goal shooters, Billi Wilson and Michaela Retallick. Jade Gumberland and Lacey York filling the difficult wing defense spot contributed well for Wildcats.
48 umpires are required to officiate each week, and thanks go to all people who put their hand up for the task. Training for umpires will be held at the clubrooms from 4.00pm until 5.00pm next Thursday 26th April.