It only seemed like a very short time ago we were acknowledging the halfway mark for the season and here we are now with the Home and Away rounds done. Congratulations to all the teams in all grades who will start their finals campaign for 2023 this week.
A Cap of Last Week’s Results
The Hamilton Kangaroos climbed 2 positions on the ladder going from sixth to fourth when they defeated Terang Mortlake 65 – 48. Eboni Knights had a great day shooting 35 of her team’s goals and was best on court for the Bloods. Danielle Vankalken was very effective in the circle scoring 47 goals for the Kangaroos. Despite Warrnambool going down to Cobden 53 – 39 they still maintained fifth spot. Sarah Moroney was at her best for the Bombers playing an important role in defence and Sarah Cowling was strong through the centre court for the Blues. Camperdown finished off their season on a high with an 8 goal win over Port Fairy. The Magpies have continued to develop throughout the year and despite only having 3 wins for the season they no doubt will walk away from the season with their heads held high. South Warrnambool have taken our the Minor Premiers title after defeating Portland 77 to 28. Holly Phillips added to her season’s tally scoring 58 goals while Remy Grant the best for the Tigers. North Warrnambool finished their season on a disappointing note when they lost to Koroit by four goals. They needed the win to keep a spot in the top 5 but went down fighting with the final score 48 – 44. The Saints played four consistent quarters and withstood a late surge from the Eagles. Millie Jennings was a strength through the centre for the Saints and Skye Billings dominated the goal circle for the Eagles.
Milestone Games
Congratulations to Maddison Vardy who played her 100th Club Game for the North Warrnambool Eagles. Maddy started her Junior Netball with the Eagles at a very young age and went on to play her first Open game at the age of 15. After stints in Geelong (with the GFNL) and Western Australia Maddie has returned to the Club with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Awesome effort Maddy. Congratulations once again!.
Hot Shot Award
It’s been a long time since a Goal shooting award has been acknowledged at the Hampden FNL. The reason behind no such award is that only two players are eligible to shoot goals at any given time. So it’s deemed unfair to all the other players on the court who are not allowed to shoot goals.. However this season has been one of interest when it comes to a Goal Scoring award. We can unofficially say that Emily Finch from the Cobden FNC would have won the Award shooting 767 goals for the Home and Away Season – an average of 42.61 goals scored per game Runner Up would have been Hollie Phillips who scored 751 goals for the season but had a higher average of 50.04 goals due to Hollie missing a few games for the season.
Junior Grand Finals
Congratulations to the South Warrnambool FNC who won both the 13/UR and 15/UR Premierships last Sunday in the Junior Sunday Competition Grand Finals. The 13/UR team defeated Koroit 30 – 18 and played an outstanding game in great weather conditions. Best on Court as voted by the Umpires was awarded to Lottie Wilkinson from South Warrnambool.
South Warrnambool defeated Warrnambool in the 15/UR Grand Final 32 goals to 25. In a great showcase of young talent the game hung in the balance until near the end and was played in great spirits. Ruby McKinley from South Warrnambool was awarded best on Court in this match. Congratulations to the South Warrnambool FNC – a great achievement.
Important Dates
Junior Presentation Night – To be held on Monday, 4 September.
Maskell Medal/Dot Jenkins Medal awards – To be hosted by Clubs, Sunday 17 September.
My Predictions for this Week
On Saturday, the Qualifying Final will be played at Camperdown where Cobden will do battle with Koroit. The Saints have been playing very consistently in their last few games and I expect this week will be no different. Cobden have been building all season and are playing a great brand of netball. The defensive trio – Remeny, Nadine and Sarh, will be too strong for the saints to overcome and I expect Cobden will win.
In the second game, the Elimination Final, which is being played between Hamilton Kangaroos and Warrnambool on Sunday at Portland. The Hamilton Kangaroos have been very competitive all season but have struggled with their consistency and will have to be at their best if they are to overcome a much improved Warrnambool.
