Netball action returned with the Deniliquin Rovers travelling to Blighty for round one of the Picola & District Netball League season on Saturday.
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All junior grades from Under 11s through to Under 17s played in near perfect conditions, with the Roos having a clean sweep on the courts.
Under 11s:
The action was kicked off by the U11s and you could not take the smile off their faces.
The improvement all the girls displayed was phenomenal, with full credit going to Rovers coach Lucy Horne for all her efforts at training.
Every ball was chased down, and pressure supplied from both ends with all 12 girls outstanding.
This made picking awards difficult, but the future looks bright at Rovers.
Blighty had nine girls playing their first game of netball, and four of the girls had the opportunity to play up in Under 13s.
Blighty awards – Hollie Armytage, Kyah Watson, Ruby Pisasale and Ella Charlton.
Rovers awards – Eliza Hay and Emily Harvey.
The Under 11s game is not scored.
Under 13s:
The Rovers started off extraordinarily strong with their goal shooters combining well in the circle.
Hazel Glowrey and Lily Andrews moved the ball well through the midcourt, assisting the defenders to bring the ball back down the court.
It was an outstanding effort from all nine girls in a 51 goal victory.
For Blighty, Ruby Caruso moved beautifully around the court to provide opportunities in attack.
Gemma Macdonald and Ashlea Charlton paired well in defence while Kyah Watson lifted the team through midcourt.
Final score, Deni Rovers 53 to Blighty 2.
Blighty awards – Ruby Caruso, Gemma Macdonald and Cassady Sibraa.
Rovers awards – Makayla Finn and Chloe Macknight.
Under 15s:
The Rovers had a strong start to their season recording a 15 goal win against the Redeyes.
Deni played well, and with some changes around the court everyone did well to adapt to the new positions.
The Roos’ defence was a nightmare for their opponents creating many turnovers from Blighty, taking full advantage of this with the shooters finishing off the defenders’ hard work.
Blighty had fantastic passages of play and adjusted easily to lots of position changes.
Erica Nicholls dominated the midcourt, frequently turning the game around while Niccola Stanworth was strong in defence.
All girls from both teams should be happy with their performance in what was a hard fought contest.
Final score Deni Rovers 31 to Blighty 16.
Blighty awards – Erica Nicholls and Niccola Stanworth.
Rovers awards – Matilda Glowrey and Kate Westcott.
Under 17s:
After a tight first quarter, the Under 17s Rovers stood up to the task in a physical match.
For the Roos, Edwina Barclay led from defence and played a solid captain’s game, strong in both voice and body to be declared best on court.
Sienna Jenkins was a pocket rocket in attack and was instrumental in the 19 goal win, bringing the ball down the court with finesse and applying constant pressure on her opponent.
Blighty’s Taylah Wilkinson was strong in defence and also shooter with safe hands, while Bridie Blake in full force with brilliant shooting.
Gabby Clarke also had her eye in with her shooting and manouvering around the ring.
Karla Nicholls played a great midcourt changing the game play numerous times, Ebony Behsman drove the ball with ease down the centre court, Jasmine Ackers and Zara Macdonald had some good intercepts, sticking tight to their girls.
Shelby Hislop and Holly Amor were strong in the ring as defence.
Final score, Deni Rovers 49 to Blighty 30.
Blighty awards – Taylah Wilkinson and Bridie Blake.
Rovers awards – Edwina Barclay and Sienna Jenkins.