A-grade: Deni Rovers 51 def Dookie United 24.
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The much-anticipated top-of-the-table showdown between Rovers and Dookie lived up to expectations in a fiercely contested match on Dookie’s home court.
Despite the 27-point final margin, the scoreline didn’t truly reflect the intensity and high quality of the game.
Rovers seized the early momentum and held their lead throughout, thanks to disciplined structures and well-executed strategies that neutralised Dookie’s strong defensive efforts.
It was a complete team performance, showcasing the fitness, cohesion, and determination of every Rovers player.
In defence, Natalie Sampson was a standout, intercepting loose balls and dominating the rebounds with confidence and composure.
Up front, the shooting duo of Abbey Wills and Carissa Bulmer continued to impress with their near-telepathic connection, consistently converting under pressure.
The match was played in great spirit, marked by mutual respect between the two top-tier teams - a true showcase of high-level netball.
Awards: Natalie Sampson, Carissa Bulmer, Abbey Wills.
B-grade: Deni Rovers 40 def Dookie United 39.
In a fiercely contested match, Rovers extended their unbeaten streak with a nail-biting one-point victory over a tenacious Dookie side.
From the opening whistle, the match was a true test, with newly formed on-court combinations immediately put under pressure by a highly skilled and determined opposition.
Defender Georgia McCulloch once again led from the back, producing a string of crucial turnovers that helped stem Dookie’s attacking momentum.
Georgia Van Lieshout’s fitness came to the fore in the centre position, where she worked tirelessly to reduce the influence of her opponent.
Despite these efforts, Rovers found themselves trailing at the half-time break.
The third quarter was a turning point.
Rovers began to settle, executing their game plan with greater composure and cohesion.
Brittany Edwards delivered her strongest performance to date, controlling ball movement into the goal circle with poise.
Improved passing and accuracy under the post allowed Rovers to outscore Dookie and reclaim momentum heading into the final term.
But Dookie wasn’t done yet.
A spirited fourth-quarter resurgence rattled the usually composed Rovers, forcing them to dig deep in the closing minutes.
Ultimately, experience and calm under pressure saw Rovers hold on to seal a gutsy one-point win in a game that could have gone either way.
Awards: Brittany Edwards, Georgia McCulloch, Georgia Van Lieshout.
C-grade: Deni Rovers 35 def Dookie United 29.
C-grade played a fiercely contested match right up to the final quarter.
Dookie led by two goals at the first break, but Bell Mcilwain’s presence in goals added valuable height and confidence.
By the third quarter, the team settled, and court spacing significantly improved.
Brittany Kirby played smart netball, providing leadership across the court, while Matilda Glowrey was relentless in WD, creating numerous turnovers through her constant intercepts.
Paige Brown delivered one of her best performances of the season, shooting at 100 per cent accuracy for the first three quarters and even stepping into GA with success.
The defensive unit worked hard against experienced goalers, with strong communication contributing to turnovers and rebounds.
The team fought hard for a well-earned win.
Awards: Brittany Kirby, Paige Brown, Matilda Glowrey.
C-reserve: Deni Rovers 47 def Dookie United 21.
C-res started a little slower than usual, but found their rhythm in the second quarter.
Nicole Felmingham was instrumental in her first game in goals, transitioning from defence and shooting an impressive 25 goals.
Mollie Leetham and Abby Whitehorn worked seamlessly in WA and C, creating space and delivering precise passes to the shooters, which was key in securing the win.
Montana Jones played half a game in goal defence, using her agility to take crucial intercepts that were successfully converted. C-res finished strong.
Awards: Abby Whitehorn, Mollie Leetham, Nicole Felmingham.
Under-17s: Deni Rovers 78 def Dookie United 28.
The Deni Rovers delivered a strong, convincing win on Saturday, showcasing the progress they’ve made this season.
The girls are beginning to translate the skills and drills from training into effective Saturday gameplay.
It was a true team effort, with every player making valuable contributions toward the win - a clear reflection of their hard work and growing cohesion on the court.
Awards: Lucy Herberte, Amy Holloway, Sienna Elphick.
Under-15s: Deni Rovers 47 def Dookie United 24.
A more hotly contested first quarter put the girls under pressure like they have not experienced yet this year.
Plenty of loose balls, turnovers and unforced errors from both teams meant the score line at the end of the first quarter was only one goal to the advantage of Rovers.
Nina Glowrey was a standout, competing for every ball and causing chaos for the Dookie attackers.
Stella McBurnie and Zoe Basset were also in great form and continue to improve each week.
Their body positioning caused great confusion for the Dookie mid-court feeding the ball into the shooters.
The attack end showed great composure once they settled with great drives onto the ring by our mid-court players and strong body work by the shooters.
With plenty of changes made throughout the game, the girls are showing amazing capacity to adapt and continue to build intensity for four quarters of netball.
Awards: Nina Glowrey, Amelie Bulmer, Stella McBurnie.
Under-13s: Deni Rovers 31 def Dookie United 6.
The u13s brought their best effort on the court in their game against Dookie, bringing home an impressive victory.
Using their recent training focus on creating smooth turnovers and effectively using space on the court, the girls were able to keep their opponents from scoring until the end of the second quarter.
Madison Danckert brought an outstanding performance, putting up over 20 goals for Rovers.
Khoa Unwin in WD brought the pressure and was a key player in creating held balls for our opponents.
Sophie Bulmer and Maddison Woolston’s quick and effective decision making had them coming in front for every pass on the court.
The u13s are working hard to prepare for their next challenge against Tungamah.
Awards: Maddie Woolston, Khoa Unwin, Madison Danckert.
Under-11s: Not scored.
The under-11s had an early start to their game in Dookie but made the trip more than worthwhile, putting together six impressive terms of quality netball.
The team continues to grow in confidence and ability, with players showing increased versatility and skill as the season progresses.
Both parents and coaches have praised the girls’ development, with pride in their teamwork and commitment on display each week.
It was another strong performance from a group that’s clearly heading in the right direction.
Awards: Harper Bulmer, Leah Blacklock, Charlotte King.
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