Just one game and nine per cent separates the entire Picola & District Netball League top six thanks to an upset win for the Deniliquin Rovers on Saturday..
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The Roos sent a massive shockwave through the A-grade competition, dominating Katamatite in a 23 goal bonanza on their home courts in round 11 of the competition.
Deni flew out of the blocks and had an 11 goal lead at quarter-time, keeping things rolling with a strong second quarter to have the game virtually on ice at the half.
The Rovers welcomed back captain Chrissy Hurst, playing well in defence with Edwina Barclay and Jackie Thorpe.
The trio played a very tight defence, creating many turnovers which the attacking end were able to capitalise on.
There were some great passages of play through the midcourt and into Rovers’ attacking end with Sienna Jenkins and Janice Hilton combining well.
Jamie Henson stepped up for her first A grade game and shot consistently, working in well with playing coach Carissa Bulmer.
It proved the perfect response to their back-to-back losses at the hands of Strathmerton and Picola United and Bulmer said having a crucial defender back in the line-up had been a big help.
‘‘Having Chrissy Hurst back in defence took the pressure off a few others,’’ she said.
‘‘It was a good win and such a positive to go from the last couple of losses back to a win.
‘‘Our juniors really stepped up, and we had a good solid training during the week. At the end of the Picola United game I told them they either wanted it or they don’t. We came out from the start and really proved that we do want it.
‘‘It was just the turnovers and our shooting, we were able to turn the ball over with our defence creating them, and then capitalise when the ball went into our circle.’’
The reigning premiers are fifth on the table, but as players return from injury will be an increasingly dangerous proposition as finals get closer, also aided by the constant development of supreme young talent.
‘‘Edwina Barclay played in defence with Chrissy on Saturday and is just improving every week,’’ Bulmer said.
‘‘At the start of a game we’re just giving her one job to do, she just goes out there and does it and gives 110 per cent.
‘‘Sienna Jenkins is from the under-15s; she’s really improved physically and mentally. Those girls are earning their spots, and are the future of our club.’’
Final score, Deni Rovers 54 to Katamatite 31. Awards: Timbrr - Sienna Jenkins; IGA - Carissa Bulmer.
Another consistent four-quarter game by the B grade Roos saw them claim a 46 goal win over Katamatite.
The strong defence of Kelly Thorpe, Zoe Sleigh and Taylah Cochrane repelled multiple forward drives by the Tigers.
With Jamie Henson promoted to A Grade for the week, Tilly Jacobs and Bella Landale stood tall, shooting with high accuracy and rebounding most missed shots.
Cara Meyer and Jemmah Conallin linked the defence and attack beautifully.
With a strong lead at three quarter time, the Roos were able to make some positional changes, with Prue Meharry wearing out her opponent with her constant movement and shooting for the first time in two years.
Final score, Deni Rovers 54 to Katamatite 8. Awards: Timbrr - Tilly Jacobs; IGA - Bella Landale.
While the Rovers won by seven goals in C grade, Katamatite pushed the home side to work extremely hard on Saturday.
Charlotte Murdoch provided many turnovers and intercepts and was a crucial player on the day.
Shooters Jade Meadowcroft and Shelby Taggert were on fire this week.
Taggert was an important part of the team’s win with her encouragement and enthusiasm helping keep the side on top of their game.
Final score, Deni Rovers 39 to Katamatite 32.
Awards: Globe Hotel - Charlotte Murdoch; The Crossing Cafe - Shelby Taggert.
The C reserve Roos had a great win over Katamatite by 32 goals.
Maggie Ellis created many turnovers with Alex Glowrey feeding well into the shooters.
Olivia Stubbings stepped up from Under 17s, who didn’t have a game due to Katamatite not having an U17s side, applying pressure and creating many turnovers.
Final score, Deni Rovers 44 to Katamatite 12. Awards: Globe - Olivia Stubbings; The Crossing Cafe - Alex Glowrey.
The U15s showed their versatility and adapted well to many positional changes in a seven goal win.
Final score, Deni Rovers 30 to Katamatite 23. Awards: Brush Beauty - Abbey Wills; Evolve - Emma East.
The U13s White side showed their versatility this week with some bold positional changes in a massive 33 goal win.
Eliza Atley moved from attack to defence and put her long arms and quick feet to use.
Ally Duffy went from defence to shooting and shot many goals with her unconventional style.
Zoe Holloway ran the centre and was the link between the ends.
Final score, Deni Rovers 35 to Katamatite 2.
Awards: Canteen - Eliza Atley; Scoop N Brew - Ally Duffy; Subway - Zoe Holloway.
An outstanding effort from the Rovers U11s saw them post a season high score.
The defence of Amelie Bulmer was inspirational, teaming with Eve Meharry beautifully.
The defence end also had great support from Eliza Hay and Macie Ezard, who kept the pressure on. Issy McKnight chased down many loose balls and her determination showed.
Lexi Hussey and Zarly Horne played their best games for the season assisting and converting goals.
Macy Butcher proved a vital link from the mid court into the ring.
Awards: Total Bliss - Macie Ezard; Subway - Macy Butcher; Subway - Amelie Bulmer.
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The Under 13s Blue team battled it out in arctic conditions in Deniliquin Netball Association action on Wednesday night.
The girls are improving every week and it was lovely to see the team have so much fun when playing.
Reagan Behsman was unstoppable in defence and then proved she could play well in attack.
Lily Cameron never stopped running in a tremendous showing.
Awards: Aria and Harper - Reagan Beshman; Subway - Lily Cameron.