A-grade: Deniliquin Rams 51 def Rumbalara 39.
With last year’s premiership flag flying high, and the anticipation of a grand final re-match on our hands, the A-grade Rams were eager to get the points on the board for the first round. It was a close first quarter with both defensive ends creating many turnovers. The physicality in the ring was intense, but it was after quarter time that the Rams were able to edge their way back and increase their lead. Whilst last year’s premiership players were as reliable and skilled as ever, it was the newest players to the team that exceeded all expectations and stepped up to the task. Playing her first A-grade game, Kate Westcott was fast and fearless in wing defence, being a headache for her opponent, and creating many opportunities for the ball to be transitioned back into attack. Steph Birk was composed and strong, combining beautifully with the attackers and hitting the ring with confidence and poise. Bonnie Everett took on the instructions and teamed up with playing coach Rhiannan Maxwell to form an unstoppable combination under the ring.
Awards: Club Incentive - Kate Westcott; PhysioFit with Britt - Steph Birk; Canteen - Bonnie Everett.
B-grade: Rams 48 def Rumbalara 34.
The clash and opener of the season did not disappoint. The game was highly contested and the depth of the B-graders on show, with a few positional changes throughout the game allowing the Rams to play with a variety of combinations both in attack and defence. The youngsters of the club were again invaluable, with Mia Parks and her sister, Emma (in her first senior game) able to play an integral part in the win. Molly Barnes showed versatility and strength dominating at both ends of the court, demanding her space in attack and creating turnovers in defence. In her first senior game for the Rams, Dakota Mitsch was focused, determined and reliable, commanding the play for the majority of the match at Centre. Newlywed Alana Tyndall was a rock in defence, as well as the voice and support for the entire team.
Awards: Club Incentive - Molly Barnes; Club Award - Dakota Mitsch; Frank n Beans - Alana Tyndall.
C-grade: Rams 56 def Rumbalara 26.
Young guns Felicity Jefferies and Sophie Dudley worked tirelessly in defence, creating many turnovers. They were well supported by the experience of Lily Den Houting and Janice Hilton who all combined well to bring the ball down to the attacking end, where Lauren Ryan and Nat Free converted into goals. Ellie Parks made her return to netball with an exceptional display on the wing providing support and applied pressure creating many turnovers. New recruit Shae Dorrity played well in her first game back after a long break. Another young gun Stella White took to the court to provide some fresh legs and shot beautifully at 100 per cent conversion.
Awards: Club Incentive - Janice Hilton; Frank n Beans - Felicity Jefferies; Club Award - Sophie Dudley.
C-reserve: Bye.
Under-17s: Bye.
Under-15s: Rumbalara 30 def Rams 29.
The first game of the season proved to be very up and down for the under-15s. Our first and our last quarters were really great. We got off to a great lead against the Rumba girls, but some mistakes in the second and third quarters cost us that lead. The girls fought hard to get back into the game in the last quarter, unfortunately falling short by one goal in the end. Georgia Henderson was unreal in the midcourt all game, offering great drives, always being an option and never giving up. Ava Richards and Ava Marshall combined well in the defensive end getting lots of turnovers and rebounds. There are a lot of positives to take from the game and lots to learn.
Awards: Canteen - Georgia Henderson; Canteen - Ava Richards; Intersport Bennett’s - Ava Marshall.
Under-13s: Rumbalara 24 def Rams 10.
The round one jitters got to the girls on the weekend, unfortunately not being able to secure their first win. Emma Wettenhall displayed her defensive pressure, shutting down her opponent and using her height to get deflections and rebounds. Alongside was Bella Hillier and Lexi Butcher who showed their strength and speed through the midcourt, allowing the ball to get down to Lucy Crossley who matched Rumba’s accurate shooting.
Awards: Intersport Bennett’s - Emma Wettenhall; Deni Clothing Co - Lucy Crossley; Canteen - Bella Hillier; Subway - Lexi Butcher.
Under-11s: Not scored.
The young were nervous lining up for their first game together as the 2023 team, but it didn’t take them long to settle into the league way of netball. Adjusting to the firm umpire’s calls, the girls quickly developed together. Sophie Bliss and Indi Raper moved around the ring giving Sophie Pearn and Stella Butcher strong options to pass into the circle. Eliza Newman and Zara O’Donnell worked hard through the centre creating channels, and Viv Thomson had solid hands to the ball intercepting beautifully creating a few turnovers. Chloe Marshall and Stella Chadderton worked hard in defence against a tall Rumbalara side.
Awards: Canteen - Zara O’Donnell; Intersport Bennett’s - Sophie Bliss; Subway - Stella Butcher.