Thanks to Alison O'Connor for writing the reports.
A-grade
In it's final match before finals, A-grade reversed their shock round-six
loss to Girgarre with a seven goal win in it's return match with the Roos.
The Swans got off to a good start and held the lead at every change, leading
by as much as 10 goals during the final term, however the Roo's fought back
strongly but the the home side managed to steady to hold on for the 37 to 30
win.
Tegan Clydesdale was again the dominant goal scorer for the Swans and was
named best on court for her exploits.
Clydesdale was backed up in the ring by Stacey Hogan and Jacinta Jamison,
with the latter also dominating through the mid court in Centre.
Sarah Milne's defence was spot on, denying the Girgarre goalers the chance
to score on a number of occasions and making the Roo's pay for every mistake
in the goal ring.
The Swans finished in fifth position and will play Girgarre in the
elimination final on August 29.
Best: Tegan Clydesdale, Sarah Milne
B-grade
In what was a must win for the B-grade in order to contest this years
finals, the Swans pulled out all stops to ensure they had a slice of
September action.
Avenel outplayed the Roo's for much of the game, and held an eight goal lead
heading in to the final term.
But in true Girgarre style, they hit back in the final term, coming to
within a goal of the Swans, but Avenel managed to hold out for a two goal
win.
A number of changes were made throughout the match, with coach Dhana Rattray
utilising all 10 players at her disposal.
Rattray played her third game for the year, and combined well with Theresa
O'Toole and Nicole Kanters in defence to limit the Girgarre goalers scoring
opportunities.
Kara Clydesdale, playing more like a footballer than a netballer, dominated
the midcourt to be among the Swans best, while Anita Lynch worked hard in
the goal ring all day to be named as the Swans best.
The B-grade are now in fourth spot - six points ahead of sixth place - and
will be definite starters in this years finals.
Best: Anita Lynch, Kara Clydesdale, Nicole Kanters
C-grade
Avenel moved two games clear in third spot with a 31 to 20 win over
Girgarre.
C-grade has been playing some polished netball and will be real contenders
when finals begin.
Positional changes didn't deter the Swans this week, who out-played the
Roo's all over the court.
The defence was particularly outstanding, with Suzanne Hunter, Jess
Stubberfield and Tracey Halpin dominant in the Girgarre attack.
Amanda Tingay controlled the midcourt and goaled well all day, while Hannah
Macpherson and Dahna Rutherford have also hit their straps at the right time
of the season in goals, shooting with precision all match.
Best: Suzanne Hunter, Jess Stubberfield
Under-17
Despite only having six players for almost half the game, the Swans easily
accounted for Girgarre by 16 goals.
Injuries to Shannon Tempest and Adrianna Speechley meant the Swans had to go
with out a WD for the majority of the last half, but it didn't deter the
side as it went on to win 49 to 33.
Nicole Fulco found her range in the goal ring, being the prominent goaler
for the Swans, while Tempest was good early before copping a ball to the
face which saw her sit out the remainder of the game.
With Tempest off, Grace Rutherford had to move from GK in to goals, while
Sarah Sidebottom again donned the GK bib and did a super job - despite the
clear height disadvantage facing her.
The Swans actually extended their lead with six players on the court, with a
more open, free flowing game being played.
Avenel are now in second position on the ladder and should be a real threat
deep in to the finals.
Best: Nicole Fulco, Alex Cole.
Under-15
The under-15's played a brilliant game in the lead up to the finals,
defeating the Roo's with a 20 goal win.
The Swans allowed their visitors just four goals for the match - while they
slammed on 24 themselves - to run out convincing winners.
Georgia Harcourt's rapid improvement through the season was again evident on
Saturday, creating plenty of drive through the midcourt to be named as one
of the Swans best.
Harcourt was backed up through the midcourt by Eilish O'Connor and Pheobe
Larson, who both played strong, attacking games.
Emily Meek played a large part in keeping Girgarre to just four goals, with
the talented GD a rock in defence for the Swans.
Avenel are in third spot on the ladder after Saturday's game.
Best: Georgia Harcourt, Emily Meek.
Website Editor