What an exciting start to the 2021 Season at Victoria Park last Friday. In record high temperatures, the game certainly lived up to all expectations and both teams showcased many of their younger talented players. Ally O’Connor was a strong performer for South Warrnambool and Olivia Marris stood up when it counted in the dying minutes. Koroit was best served by Nell Mitchell, scoring 22 of her team’s 35 goals.
South Warrnambool’s bench officials were boosted with the inclusion of Will Jamieson. Will, the current Co-Captain of the Victorian Men’s Netball Team and a previous Captain of the Australian Men’s Netball Team made the most of his visit to the Warrnambool district over the Easter break and assisted Leesa Wall. No doubt he had some valuable knowledge to pass onto the players.
This Week in Round 1 North Warrnambool make their way to The Cobden Community Bank Reserve to take on the Bombers. Rachel Ryan and Georgia Corbett will be welcome inclusions in the North Warrnambool line up this season after a few players from 2019 have left the Club. Cobden welcome back Sophie Hinkley and Jess Wheadon. I believe Cobden will once again be strong performers in 2021 and will be too good for the Eagles this week.
Camperdown will make the short trip down the Princes Highway to play Terang Mortlake at the Ridley Rec. Reserve. Camperdown have managed to retain most of their list from 2019 but will miss Emma Wright, whilst Terang Mortlake have lost a few of their experienced players. Camperdown should combine well and take the premiership points in this encounter.
Port Fairy will take on Hamilton Kangaroos at Melville Oval. Port Fairy have had a mass exodus of players since 2019 and may struggle to account for Hamilton who will be keen to see what difference their recruit, Kyra McKinnis can make.
Portland will kick off their season with a tough battle against the Reigning Premiers, Koroit. Koroit showed last week they will be, once again, strong contenders for the Premiership and on this occasion will be too strong for Portland.
South Warrnambool this week take on arch rival Warrnambool. This will again be a great game and showcase an abundance of young talent. Both teams have a great balance of youth and experience and will be keen to show each other what they are capable of. I think the game will hang in the balance for the most part and will come down to who can shoot more accurately. This will be another fantastic game of netball and all the action kicks off at 1.15 p.m.
Many of you will remember Symone Moloney, who very sadly lost her battle with Cancer in September 2019. This Saturday at approximately 2.00 p.m. at the Ridley Rec Reserve Netball courts, the Terang Mortlake FNC will Officially open a Shelter in Symone’s honour. Symone was a Life Member of the Terang Mortlake FNC and one of the great characters of our league. She was willing to help her beloved Bloods wherever it was needed, whether that be as a player, coach, Team Manager or just volunteering around the Club whenever a job needed to be done. She will certainly be missed around the Club this year but what a great honour for Symone and her family.
Good Luck to all Teams competing this weekend.
Author: Josie Logan
