The Under 10’s and 12’s plied their trade at the Aerodrome oval while the Under 14’s played on the main oval much to their delight. With the Under 16’s match not going ahead, the Under 14’s were lucky enough to get the help of Jack O’Shannessy, Billy Cattanach, Jim Vallance, Jai Grayling, Caleb Farnsworth and Laura Shaddock. Their skills and strength provided opportunities for the younger players to get on the end of some good delivery.
The Reserves got a lesson in speed as they came up against a red, hot team. James Morrish led the charge heading into the third quarter, along with Simon Brown and Toby Harker as they kept pumping them into Brad Parsons who was a strong presence up forward all day with 3 goals. Had Ouyen had converted bettered in the third term, the final quarter could have been a more interesting affair, as the Kangas fell flat the Bulldogs kicking 4 goals to 1 in the last quarter.
The Seniors quickly learnt that the Bulldogs were the real deal in 2021, with an emphatic 80 point thumping. The Kangas defence couldn't hold back the constant high-quality supply the South Mildura midfielders provided their forwards. Despite another strong performance by ever improving defender Liam Munro, the Kangas remain in their struggle to cover the loss of star defender Kale Barker as opposition teams continue to score easily. Wal Brady was one of the few Kangas who could match the speed of the Bulldogs often finding himself in the Kangas scoring chains through the wing and half forward. Alex Morrish was the best onballer for the Kangas midfield group that got their colours lowered by a physical South Mildura midfield that was simply too powerful.
Both U11's teams had some great passages of play and fought hard for loose balls.
Our 13's girls has a couple of great games with U13 2s going down by just 1 goal. U13 1s used their defensive skills to fight hard all game collecting heaps of rebounds and intercepts.
The U15's were off to a flying start hitting the lead early. The girls and coach Chloe Weir set a target of 20 goals and nearly reached it. They never gave up and held their heads high.
U17 2s and their newly elected captain Nat Nihill held up well against Souths strong pressure. Milla's want for the ball was fierce and on point while Kodie read the ball beautifully in defence.
U17 1s came out to play, attacking every ball, Chloe always being an option in the ring. It was goal for goal with enormous defensive pressure all the way down the court. Unfortunately our girls went down by 1 nail biting goal. But oh my, what a game to watch.
C Res took the court with a shaky start from their coach having to leave due to illness. Captain Kate took over, settling and organising the team beautifully. Strong defensive pressure kept the Kangas in the game after a few missed chances of turnovers. Another close game but the girls once again kept their cool and came away with another win.
Soooo close our C Graders were to a win this week. Demi's drive was amazing down the court and great defensive pressure kept the game close all day. Some delightful and accurate shooting from Woody kept everyones spirits alive and the girls put up a good fight. The Kangas didn't walk away with the win going down by 2 goals but some very settled and impressive netball girls.
B Grade had some great passages of play toward the end of the first quarter and continuing into the second. Intercepts by Lauren and great pressure from the young girls in the ring. Danielle offered strong defence which resulted in the opportunity for the attackers to reward the team on the score board. A great win by the girls.
A Grade broke the first centre pass from a defensive intercept setting the pace for the game. All players played strong and dominant down the court even with a few changes being made. Ellen's speed and support across the court was providing valuable back-up and forward drives. Clever team work from the goalies resulted in some quick scoring. All the girls moved well and coped with the warm conditions. A delightful game to watch.
As always, full write ups will be in the North West Express.
