A Cap of Last Week’s Results
Despite last week’s extreme wintery conditions there were some high scoring contests in Round 12.
Hamilton Kangaroos came out of the blocks firing taking a 16 goal lead into the first break and lead by 24 at half time. Portland were very competitive in the second half but Hamilton were eventual winners 57 – 32. South Warrnambool had a comfortable win over Warrnambool 66 – 26. Ally O’Connor was at her best for the Roosters and Amy Wormald was valuable for the Blues. North Warrnambool had a much needed percentage boosting win against Camperdown winning 62 – 35. Terang Mortlake had a strong first half when they took on Cobden at Ridley Recreation Reserve taking a 4 goal lead into half time thanks to some great defensive work from Alice Kain. Cobden were able to find their rhythm in the second half and took the points, eventually winning by 11 goals. A great result for the Bombers with some big names missing from their line up. Koroit managed to easily account for Port Fairy – the final core being 49 – 22. Tilly Balmer was best for Port Fairy while Layla Monk had a great game for the Saints.
Umpire Accreditation
Congratulations to Isla Nolan and Grace Lucas from the Camperdown FNC who were successful in obtaining their C Badge accreditation last week. The Camperdown FNC have worked hard to develop their umpires over the past 2 years and they are starting to see the rewards for their efforts. Congratulations to Isla and Grace. Great Work!
This brings our tally to 8 successful tests for this Season and with a few more to test before the end of our home and away season we expect this to rise. On behalf of the League, thank you to the great work that all Umpires do each and every week. We thank you and appreciate you!
The Season so Far
With Round 12 down I think we can safely say the race for a top 5 finish is out of reach for 4 of the 10 Clubs. Mathematically Warrnambool are still in with a chance at very long odds, but both Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake are capable of shaping the order and have a say in which teams finish with the double chance.
Milestone Games
This Saturday, the North Warrnambool Eagles will celebrate Skye Billings as she plays her 150th senior club game against Cobden. Skye has achieved remarkable milestones throughout her netball career, including being the runner-up for the Open Hampden League’s Best and Fairest award in 2022, winning the Open Club Best and Fairest award in the same year, and being selected for the Open Team of the Year in both 2018 and 2022. She has also represented various Hampden inter-league sides, was a pivotal player in the A1 Premiership victory in 2015, and has taken on coaching roles, including being the Open coach in 2021 and 2022. Currently serving as the Captain of the Open team in 2023, Skye’s leadership and exceptional skills have greatly contributed to the North Warrnambool Eagles’ success. Congratulations to Skye on this incredible milestone, and best wishes to her and the Eagles.
My Predictions for This Week
A top five finish will be incentive enough for the Hamilton Kangaroos to defeat Port Fairy comfortably. Warrnambool’s experience will be too much for Camperdown to overcome and the Blues will take the win over the Magpies. Terang Mortlake will earn the four points when they take on the Portland Tigers. Koroit will be keen to see how they measure up against the League’s best in South Warrnambool. The Roosters have dominated the season all year and I expect Koroit to give it their all but South will be too strong. Without key defender Maisie Barlow, and having to blood some youngsters into the Open lineup, I think Cobden will have all the answers to overcome a competitive Eagles.
Good Luck to all teams competing this Saturday and I expect there will be some very competitive games in the Junior Competitions as they approach their Finals Series. Good Luck to all teams competing on Sunday.
