Werribee Centrals played the strongest Netball Club in the GDFL in Winchelsea in a precursor to the finals next week and came away with some good and bad news.

A Grade – Werribee Centrals 43, Winchelsea 38

Werribee Centrals A grade gave 100% today and it payed off. All players stepping up and combining to produce some quality netball. Pressure from the defensive end consisting of Amanda Wilson, Noni McClure and Maria Masei made it hard for Winchelsea attack and provided Centrals with many turnovers. Mickayla Ward and Jenni Gardiner were powerful contributors to Centrals win combining well and converting in attack to create pressure for the Winchelsea defence. A determined team effort to beat an undefeated Winchelsea side.

Best: Amanda Wilson, Mickayla Ward, Jenni Gardiner

Goals: Mickayla Ward 28, Jeni Gardner 15

B Grade – Werribee Centrals 26, Winchelsea 34

Centrals were unlucky not to come away with the win today against a tough opponent in Winchelsea. In their first loss of the season B grade lacked intensity for four full quarters. Combinations in all areas of the court worked well but unfortunately not well enough against a stronger team on the day. Centrals look forward to seeing them in finals.

Best: Ellie Tubbs , Anna Paterson, Natalie Ramsdale

Goals: Ellie Tubbs 19 Renee Di Gioacchino 6, Rily Dorgan 1

C Grade – Werribee Centrals 37 Winchelsea 24

C grade welcomed back Kirstyn Butterworth after a long recovery from injury. Kirstyn and Janelle did well in defense against a tall goaling opposition. Pressure from Mel Cuthbert this week was great again in WD following through to C. Drives from Michelle Hunter and Kyrstie Smith were great in midcourt leading through to our goalers Kim Genge and Amanda Nielsen. Stacey Flack got some good intercepts and touches to the ball and put enough pressure on the ball for them to be able to fumble a pass. With Clarissa Melilli out due to injury, our goalers had to work hard with not a lot of options for change. Kyrstie stepped into goals in the last creating enough space for Kim to be able to score off but with all our goalers, we need to be able to follow through on our shots and go in for our rebounds.

We lost to Winchelsea today, but this will give us the opportunity to be able to prepare for finals and things that we need to work on to win a premiership.

Best: Kyrstie Smith, Janelle Bragg, Melanie Cutherbert.

Goals: Kimberley Genge 18, Amanda Nielson 5, and Kyrstie Smith 1.

D Grade – Werribee Centrals 12, Winchelsea 15

Werribee Centrals D Grade struggled in the terrible weather today. The defense end worked tirelessly all day today, playing tight and hard pulling in rebounds. In the attacking end Centrals missed some opportunities throwing the ball away when on the ring. D Grade will take away positive things from today knowing what to work on and regroup together at training.

Best: Megan Cunningham, Diandra Sellers, and Sarah Clarke.

Goals: Holly Ellul 7, Tennille Murrell 3, and Amber Smith 2

Under 17’s - Werribee Centrals 40, Winchelsea 17

A great win against third on the ladder Winchelsea. Goalers Clare and Holly worked well together creating movement in the goal circle. All players on the court put in 100% and finished strong. 17’s will need to train hard this week coming into finals.

Best: Clare Atherton, Holly Ellul, and Megan Cunningham

Goals: Clare Atherton 24,Holly Ellul 14, Amber Smith 2,

Under 15’s Werribee Centrals 23, Winchelsea 11

The wet and cold conditions today had Centrals start slow. With adjusting to the conditions, Centrals started to find their form having a great 3-quarter. A standout on court was Vanessa Grillo who played a tight game in defense, working on the things she has been doing at training. Jade Terris and Keilara Briggs were also helpful in Centrals great win. Centrals are looking forward to finals next which will definitely be challenging for all players.

Best: Vanessa Grillo, Jade Terris, and Keilara Briggs

Goals: Nishali Paththamperuma 12, Emily Ashley 9, and Keilara Briggs 2.

This week Centrals have four teams in qualifying finals at St Albans netball centre in Geelong and some great competitive netball will be assured.