Association Championships.
The 2023 Association Championships Zone Qualifying Rounds are being hosted by the Warrnambool City Netball Association on Sunday June 4th, at Warrnambool.
Coaches have been appointed and tryouts are underway. The second round of tryouts are being held at Brauer College on Sunday, April 23rd from 5.00 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.for the 13/U and 15/U Age Groups and from 6.15 to 7.30 p.m. for the 17/U’s.
The Finals Day will be played at the State Netball Hockey Centre on Sunday June 18th.
Details for Umpires Expressions of Interest have been sent to Clubs. If you are interested in Umpiring at the Qualifying Rounds in Warrnambool, be sure to seek the information on how to apply from your Club Coordinator.
A Cap of Last Week’s Results
For the second week in a row, Hamilton Kangaroos are drawing a lot of attention. A first round win against the Eagles and now a draw with last year’s grand finalists. In the early stages, they are proving to be the big improvers for the 2023 season. Their goal scorers – Hayley Sherlock and Danielle Vankalken put in best on court performances to help them to a 49 goal draw with the Bombers.
South Warrnamnbool had another dominant performance when they defeated Camperdown 78 goals to 24. Holly Phillips was once again accurate in the circle scoring 67 goals and Elsie Sinnott was the best for the Magpies.
Warrnambool have two wins on the board after defeating Port Fairy 63 goals to 32. Sarah Cowling was a welcome return with her dominance through the centre for the Blues, whilst Jessica Swarbrick converted well in the circle for Port Fairy.
North Warrnambool had a close encounter with Terang Mortlake with the game still in the balance in the dying minutes. North Warrnambool had to fight off a determined Bloods team taking a narrow 4 goal win. Maddison Vardy and Maisie Barlow forced a few crucial turnovers in defence, while Sharni Moloney gave her team a lot of drive through the centre and had a very consistent game.
Koroit will take the 4 points from their match against Portland who were forced to forfeit due to lack of numbers.
Milestone Games
Will anyone from your Club play a milestone game in the coming weeks. If so, be sure to pass on the information to Michael Farrow or myself so it can be recognised in the online record. It is a great achievement for any player to reach a milestone game and we would love to recognise their special achievements.
My Predictions for this week.
Terang Mortlake will come up against another tough opponent this week when they take on Cobden at the Bendigo Bank Community Reserve. The Bloods are certainly a much improved side from 2022 and will challenge the Bombers but I think Cobden will be a more settled team with too much experience for the Bloods.
After two very comfortable wins thus far, I expect South Warrnambool to be a little more challenged when they take on Warrnambool this round. The Roosters are playing a very quick and disciplined brand of netball and I think their strength across all areas will be too big of a mountain for the Blues to overcome. South will take the points here.
Port Fairy will have a very tall ask when they come up against Koroit on Saturday. Koroit have too much experience for the Seagulls and will score a comfortable win.
North Warrnambool will also have too much experience for a very young Camperdown Team and will score the 4 points in this game.
In the traditional Anzac Day Clash between town rivals, Portland and Hamilton, the Kangaroos will prove their early results have been no fluke and should score their third win for the season.
Good Luck to all Football and Netball Teams competing this weekend.
Author: Josie Logan
