Rennie netball

With finals talk happening all week, the A Grade knew they had to lift coming into this round, playing against the 2nd side on the ladder who seem to be gaining strength during the season.

The first quarter strength was sensational with everyone on court giving 100%.

A lapse in the 2nd and 3rd saw Rennie lose control of the game and it was an uphill battle from there.

With injuries around, Grace Stillard stepped in to fill a big role in GK, and showed just how far she’s come on her recovery journey, shutting down the strong GS.

Abby Coghill coupled well and the two played a well jelled game together.

A bit more work is needed in attack but there seemed to be more improvement in what the A Grade have been working on during the last two week.

Let’s keep working on effort and it will eventually pay off.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Grace Stillard, Yarra Hotel - Abbey Coghill, Showcase Jewllery - Mikayla McAuliffe and Belles Cafe - Ella Rhodes.

B Grade

Rennie 35 drew Katandra 35

Evidence of last week's bye was prominent with a very slow, nervous start from the Hopper girls.

Katandra were contesting strong and made very little mistakes over the first half.

A never die attitude from the Rennie girls saw some tough, hard-fought netball all over the court.

Defenders Jemma and Kayla continued to work together creating turnovers and opportunities for the team.

Not one of the 9 girls dropped their head or ever gave up and were rewarded with a 12 goal turnaround ending in a draw!

Young gun Laynee stepped into B grade and showcased her evolving skills. Captain Brooke’s level head and guidance down the attacking end was highlight for coach Kayla.

A valiant effort by all, super proud!

Awards: One Zach - Jemma Adkins, Yarra Hotel - Kayla Oughton, Yarra News & Gifts - Brooke McDougall, Redback Waste - Laynee Rhodes and Hicks Butchery - Brooke McDougall.

C Grade

Rennie 25 def by Katandra 27

The girls came this week ready to go after having a bye and being rained out of training this week.

However, the girls had a strong warm up. Katandra came out firing scoring the first 4 goals before Rennie had even got on the scoreboard.

The Hopper girls settled into the game and showed they can fight back to be only 2 goals down at quarter time.

Hayley gave strong drives in the attacking end with the help of Nada and Lacey.

All girls were an asset to the game this week. The defenders Ally, Rach, Georgie and Georgia showed strong defence this week playing a very tight body on body game.

The shooters Sarah and Haylee worked hard all day to get those goals in and follow every shoot up.

Unfortunately Katandra were the better team on the day. The Hopper girls are showing great progress in the skills they have been learning throughout the year.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Hayley Wilson, ClubMulwala - Hayley Wilson, Miss Dolly - Ally Thrumble and Mulwala Pharmacy - Sarah Cummins.

C Reserve

Rennie 27 def by Katandra 31

Officially registered as the tallest team in the league, Rennie wondered if Katandra had sent an NBA team. Speedos Mackinnos put on another stellar performance showing how she got her 50th senior Hopper game!

The girls were down by 14 goals at halftime but fought tirelessly for it back ending on a 4 goal loss. Overall the Kats were a bit stronger than the Grasshoppers.

Highlight of the game was when Shez McBurnie tried high fiving the opposing GK in a bid to congratulate herself after sinking a spectacular goal in the dying minutes of the game.

A week off next week to plant some seeds and get some growth in the legs.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Trudy Long, Yarra Hotel - Leonie Higgins, Free as a Bird - Eden McKinnon, Priority Fitness - Steph Munro and Players Player - Trudy Long.

Under 17s

Rennie 54 def Katandra 23

After a weekend off during the previous round, to training in the freezing cold weather with rain, to have 3 out of 8 players away, the game could have done any direction.

With only 5 starting 17s players, the 17s are lucky at Rennie to have such strong and diverse players in the juniors that the Under 17s pulled up Sophie Coghill, Mabel Cope and Demi Rhodes.

The start of the game showed Katandra matching Rennie’s speed and putting a lot of pressure over the ball.

The Rennie girls were able to use their basics to create space, not force the ball into the goalers. The girls slowly started to chip away at the score which allowed for a lot of rotations on the court and a lot of confidence in each other to continue to play the game strongly.

Mykie McBurnie was best on court this game with her attacking skills, and her ability to put defensive pressure on, seeing multiple turnovers cleanly taken and then executed.

A great game and great outcome!

Awards: Zambreros - Mykie McBurnie, Mulwala Bakery - Mabel Cope, Rhodes Family - Sophie Coghill andRicky D's - Demi Rhodes.

Under 15s

Rennie 46 def Katandra 10

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Chelsea Kerr, PM Junior Dev - Darla Lawless, Rhodes Family - Mia Brogan and Belles Cafe - Demi Rhodes.

Under 13s

Rennie 43 def Katandra 10

The Hopper girls played a great game against Katandra and won 43-10.

It was great to hear all the positivity on and off the court. The attackers and also the shooters did a great job down their end working together and shooting goals.

The defenders also did a really great job in the defending side. Michelle, Ruby, Azaria and Jemima did really well intercepting the ball during the game.

Well done girls! Keep it up.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Jemima Bruce, Rhodes Family - Ruby Long, Athenaeum - Makayla George and Avalanche Ice Creamery - Isabel Bruce.

Under 11s

Great game by all of the team this week. The defensive pressure was outstanding, everyone was getting hands to the ball and backing each other up chasing those loose balls and allowing for some beautiful passages of play bringing the ball down the court.

Each week the team are gaining more skills and working together as such a strong side.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Ella G, Yarra Fish N Chips – Macca, PM Junior Dev - Ava and Rhodes Family – Tay.