A-grade: Rams 52 def Finley 27
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
After a week off, our skills were a little rusty early on, but as the game progressed we chipped away at the scoreline and eventually took a comfortable win.
The Finley side looked to be a young team still learning and developing their craft.
They worked hard all game, never gave up, and ensured we had to work hard for every possession.
Our defensive end was solid throughout, and we were able to keep Finley guessing with multiple changes down that end, which worked very effectively.
Ella Park was strong in defence and transitioned us beautifully into attack, helping set up many scoring opportunities.
Steph Birk, a naturally defensive player, was a standout once again, but also spent time in attack where she continues to grow in confidence each week.
Our attacking movement was a little clunky at times as we worked our way back into the rhythm of competition, but the smooth movement and smart decision-making of Chloe Way helped balance us out whenever needed and kept our attack flowing.
Awards: Chloe Way, Ella Park, and Steph Birk.
B-grade: Rams 42 def Finley 35
It was an even contest from the opening whistle and very much anyone’s game until the final few minutes.
Both teams battled hard throughout, but we were able to capitalise on a few turnovers late in the game to create some separation on the scoreboard and push ahead for the win.
Finley’s defensive end was solid and experienced, which made life difficult for our young attacking end.
It took most of the game for our attackers to work out the best way to break through, but they stuck to their guns, remained mentally strong, stayed focused, and eventually found a way to get over the top.
It was a game where both defensive ends were able to create opportunities, and our defenders were certainly a standout.
Katie Arandt led the way with her defensive pressure and backed it up with strong attacking transition support, helping drive the ball down the court.
Molly Bradley was strong in attack throughout the game but made a significant impact when moved into defence, where her contribution proved invaluable.
Aysha Mitsch was also a solid contributor this week, working hard and playing her role well across the court.
Awards: Molly Bradley, Katie Arandt and Aysha Mitsch.
C-grade: Rams 35 def by Finley 41
The Rams fought hard, with not much separating the two teams.
Jade Hussey and Maggie McCalman worked tirelessly in defence, turning over numerous balls.
Kayla Hussey was accurate in the goal circle, working hard to make good position. Overall, the girls put in a solid effort.
Awards: Jade Hussey, Kayla Hussey, and Maggie McCalman.
C-reserve: Rams 35 def by Finley 41
C-reserve took on an experienced Finley side this week, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
Lucy Dudley was a calm and consistent presence through centre and wing attack, creating a strong drive through the midcourt and showing patience for accurate feeds into the circle.
Hilary Porter had a standout game in defence against the experienced Finley shooters, applying constant pressure over the ball, contesting strongly, and picking off several intercepts.
In her first game back from injury, Richenda Everett brought composure to the attacking end, holding strongly in the circle, and feeding beautifully, with a few goals to her name as well.
Awards: Lucy Dudley, Hilary Porter, and Richenda Everett.
Under-17s: Rams 41 drew Finley 41
Both teams displayed some impressive passages of play and fought hard until the final whistle.
Phoebe Newman stood up in attack, goaling accurately under pressure.
Sienna Elphick provided speed though the mid-court and was well-supported by a solid game by Bella Hillier.
Alice Circuitt, Ava Marshall and Hannah McBurnie were effective against a tough attacking Finley line-up.
Awards: Phoebe Newman, Sienna Elphick, and Bella Hillier.
Under-15s: Rams 28 def by Finley 29
With only eight players, the team settled well and used the opportunity to trial some new combinations.
Maddy Woolston was outstanding, creating turnovers and getting hands to balls all game.
Eva Maher excelled in goals, combining well with Killarni Macdonald and Stella Chadderton, while captain Arielle Hillier was reliable as ever through the midcourt and defence.
Awards: Maddy Woolston, Eva Maher, and Arielle Hillier.
Under-13s: Rams 30 def Finley 5
Every player contributed, showing great teamwork, versatility and determination across the court.
Aysha Bartlett was outstanding in goals, shooting with impressive accuracy before moving into defence and preventing her opponent from scoring.
Harriet Maher displayed excellent control through the midcourt, working hard in both attack and defence while feeding the shooters with precision.
Isla Moodie showed great patience and composure in the midcourt, helping to slow Finley’s transition into attack and supporting the defence well.
Awards: Aysha Bartlett, Harriet Maher, and Isla Moodie.
Under-11s: Not scored.
The team showed fantastic effort and enthusiasm throughout the game, with their skills and teamwork continuing to improve each week.
Awards went to Grace Milliken for her determination and effort, Ava Raper for her strong performance and teamwork, and Millie Hall for her enthusiasm and positive attitude.