No heavenly outcome for Priest family, A-grade Bats continue bizarre run of draws

Milawa: 6.2, 11.2, 13.6, 15.8 (98)

The seniors took to the ground with a lot of the list unavailable on the day.

With Milawa winning the toss and going with the wind in the first quarter they got off to a better start, although the boys kicked two goals into a strong wind.

The boys stuck to their game plan in the second but were unable to capitalise in front of goal, going in at half time with the same amount of scoring shots but trailing by nearly six goals.

The boys gave it their all and it was those that came up into the side that stood up, along with Jamie Dunne playing a good captain’s game in the middle with support from Travers Nolan putting his head over the ball.

Best Players: Jamie Dunne (Peter Davis Rural Award), Travers Nolan (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Matt Priest (Gladstone’s Ampol Fuel Award), John House (Hollywood’s Pizza Award), Vaughan Kirk (Royal Hotel Award), Alex Moloney (Advance Ag Club Dinner Award).

Goals: Brayden Stepien 4, Brush Haebich, Kobe Black 2.

Reserves

Goorambat: 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1 (1)

Milawa: 3.5, 7.8, 15.11, 21.16 (142)

Goorambat reserves came up against a strong Milawa team on Saturday, fielding a depleted side due to injuries in the senior side. With key players moving up into the senior team, the backline was under pressure from the start.

Jeremy Hill down back continued his good form playing a great defensive game, rebounding the ball out of the backline, and Mitch Dansey showed great support, involved in everything through the middle of the ground.

David Priest played one of his best games for the season. Credit to the boys for not giving up and making a game of it.

Best players: Jeremy Hill (Bouwmeesters Bakery Award), Mitch Dansey (Hollywoods Pizza Award), David Priest (Royal Hotel Award), Grayson Kirk (Quality Wool Award) Damien Walker (Sportspower Award), Nick Jacobs (Early Bird Award).

Netball

A-grade

Goorambat 42 drew with Milawa 42

You can't make this up! For the third week in a row and our fifth draw of the season, we’ve managed to pull off another incredible match. Despite the wet and miserable weather, our A-grade team delivered an outstanding performance.

We got off to a great start in the first quarter, establishing an early lead against the top-of-the-table Milawa side. Knowing we had narrowly lost to them earlier in the season, we anticipated a tough game. At halftime Milawa held a slight lead and by three-quarter time they stretched it to five goals.

However, thanks to the resilience and determination of our team, especially Michele Button who put her body on the line to score, we found ourselves right back in the game during the last quarter.

Molly Doidge played a consistently strong role as wing defence, applying pressure to her opponent throughout the match while Nelle Cousins anchored our defensive end against their top shooters, making crucial intercepts and securing rebounds.

In a thrilling finish we managed to hit the front with just seconds remaining on the clock, only for Milawa to equalise with a buzzer-beater, resulting in a draw. It was an incredible team effort against the top side in the competition!

Best: Michele Button (Riverbank Cash Award), Molly Doidge (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Nelle Cousins (Bill-Bo-Pop award)

B-grade

Goorambat 33 drew with Milawa 33

It was a cold winter clash as the Bats took on top-placed Milawa in what proved to be a thrilling and hard fought contest. From the opening whistle the game was tight with challenging conditions adding to the intensity.

The Bats gave it everything across all four quarters, with the lead changing hands multiple times. At half time, the scores were locked, and the team was urged to dig deep and keep pushing.

Aneiki Pierce was a standout in the ring, playing with strength and control to create key scoring opportunities. Grace Handley showed excellent discipline and composure through the mid court making smart decisions under pressure.

Kelsey Moss swung into wing attack, bringing valuable experience and delivering accurate feeds to the shooters. Despite sustaining an early injury, Sophie Hammond returned to the court with determination showing incredible resilience and strength against a tough, physical defence.

When the final whistle blew, the scores remained tied, reflecting the intensity and quality of the match. It was an outstanding game of netball and a significant improvement since the teams last met - a true team effort from the Bats.

Best: Aneiki Pierce (G&S Gall Cash Award), Grace Handley (G&S Gall Cash Award), Kelsey Moss (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Sophie Hammond (Terry White Chemmart Award)

B-reserve

Goorambat 18 def by Milawa 38

Awards

Best On - Kate Nolan (Muscle Mend Award)

Adapted very well to her defenders, movement was terrific with front space being a priority.

Second - Brooke Haddrell (Advanced Ag Thursday Night Dinner Award)

Defensive rebounds were on point, with either two hands or a tip and follow up. Her support down the court was massive and then transitioned into goals.

Third - Bri Putt (Bill-Bo-Pop Award)

Her determination and grit to get herself back into the game, change of direction and give and go was great, along with quick hands and release when needed.

C-grade

Goorambat 18 def by Milawa 25

Both teams came out strong in the first quarter going goal-for-goal, with loads of pressure from both sides through the middle keeping the score low.

Strong defence from Katelyn Russell and Lacey Carter turned the ball over often, and with the addition of Isabelle DeFazio to the mid court line-up, the Bats were able to move the ball into the ring to lead by one heading into the third.

Milawa came out strong and fast during the third quarter, making it hard for the Bats to score, pulling away by three-quarter time to lead by eight.

The Bats came out stronger during the fourth, finding their rhythm, although a little too late, going down at the final siren.

Best: Isabelle DeFazio (Willspread Contracting Cash Award), Katelyn Russell (Hume Solar Award), Indy Stovell (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award)

Under-15

Goorambat 7 def by Milawa 71

The Bats started the game off well having everyone back from injuries and illness and made a few great goals in the beginning.

We had great defensive pressure all through the court from every single player. Evie Ellis took on a much taller Milawa shooter, but kept her feet and moved well to defend the shots and put the pressure on all game.

Mackenzie Roberts communicated with her team mates well and continued to create space and find depth for the team. Eliza Keen drove hard and presented well through the mid court, and when the team needed steady plays, she delivered.

Best: Evie Ellis (Hume Solar Award), Mackenzie Roberts (Sportspower Award), Eliza Keen (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award)