Netball
29 April, 2025
Saints hold steady for Anzac Day win
Horsham Saints' A grade netballers delivered a strong performance to secure a 60-40 win over Horsham Demons in round two of the Wimmera Football Netball League on Friday.
Despite slippery and wet conditions at Horsham City Oval, the Saints maintained their composure across all four quarters, building a steady lead at each break: 15-7 at quarter-time, 31-17 at half-time and 45-29 by the final change.
Horsham Saints netball coach Vernetta Taylor praised the team’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions.
“We're actually happy with the result as it was a hard-fought competition due to the slippery and wet court,” Taylor said.
“It was challenging for everyone but we played consistently across the four quarters and we were able to keep our calm.”
Taylor said the Saints had to adjust their usual fast-paced style to suit the conditions.
“Keeping calm, sticking to the plan and great defending by the three defenders contributed to the win,” she said.
Captain Ashlee Grace received the ANZAC Day Player of the Day award for the third time – a result Taylor described as a “great achievement and honour”.
Goal shooter Jorja Clode also impressed, scoring 50 of the team’s 60 goals.
“Goal shooting by Jorja Clode was the highlight of the game while the low, I guess, were the conditions,” Taylor said.
“We practise indoors so the wet ball and court were very challenging.”
Taylor named Grace, Clode and Holly Phillips as key players in the victory.
Looking ahead, the Saints are preparing to face Dimboola this weekend.
“We’ve got Dimboola next and we're looking forward to the challenge as they're a strong contender this year,” Taylor said.
“We want to keep the momentum going in the upcoming games.”
Southern Mallee Thunder claimed a convincing 35-23 win over Warrack Eagles the same round.
Thunder led from the outset, taking an 8-5 advantage in the first quarter and extending it to a commanding 20-7 lead by half-time.
Warrack Eagles improved in the second half but were unable to close the gap as Thunder maintained control to secure the 12-goal victory.
Final score: Southern Mallee Thunder 35 defeated Warrack Eagles 23.
Dimboola produced a strong second-half performance to overcome Ararat 60-44 at Dimboola Recreation Reserve.
After being narrowly behind, 16-14, at quarter-time, Dimboola surged to level the score at 30-30 by half-time.
They pulled away in the third quarter and continued their momentum to register a convincing 16-goal win.
Final score: Dimboola 60 defeated Ararat 44.
Stawell secured a hard-fought 48-41 victory over Minyip Murtoa in a competitive A grade clash at Central Park, Stawell.
Stawell held a slight edge at every change, leading 13-11 at quarter-time and stretching the margin gradually across the match.
Despite Minyip Murtoa’s pressure, Stawell maintained their composure to finish seven goals clear.
Final score: Stawell 48 defeated Minyip Murtoa 41.
